Tolbert plans to major in cybersecurity this fall, aiming for a professional future in penetration testing. His path into the field has already begun with practical experience, including an internship focused on phishing prevention and the successful attainment of CompTIA Tech+ and A+ certifications. Beyond the financial award, Tolbert will receive mentorship from Optiv professionals throughout his freshman year.
Illinois Graduate Andrew Tolbert Awarded Optiv Cybersecurity Scholarship
Witnessing the surge of phishing scams targeting his own family, Oak Park high school graduate Andrew Tolbert turned a personal concern into a career path. Now, the aspiring security analyst has been named the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship from Optiv’s Black Employee Network to support his studies at Purdue University.
The scholarship is managed by the Black Employee Network, an internal group at the Denver-based cybersecurity firm dedicated to fostering inclusive representation within the industry. Chanel Cantey, co-chair of the network, noted that Tolbert’s technical curiosity and hands-on work with social engineering awareness made him a standout candidate. The program targets Black and African American students pursuing STEM degrees, directly addressing the broader talent shortage by investing in emerging leaders.
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