1. Phase 1: Virtual training program in the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Training modules will provide a general overview of the basic concepts of cybersecurity, including:
   • the nature, scope, and urgency of the cybersecurity landscape
   • types of threats
   • basic preventive actions (technological and procedural)
   • introduction to cryptography
   • individual cybersecurity threats and precautions
   • enterprise-level cybersecurity systems and management.
2. Phase 2: An in-person cybersecurity boot camp that offers classroom instruction, experiential learning, real-world simulations, and job shadowing opportunities with cybersecurity practitioners in Amman. Topics will include:
   • Intro to Cybersecurity
   • Cyber Hygiene
   • Threat Landscapes
   • Asset Management
   • Vulnerability Assessment
   • Cyber-law
   • Cyber Ethics and Privacy
   • Auditing and Compliance
   • Risk Assessment and Management
   • Building Digital Infrastructure
   • Network Security
   • Database Security
   • Cloud Security
   • IOT
   • Forensics
   • AI in Cyber
3. Phase 3: Virtual career exploration series that exposes students to a broad range of cybersecurity career paths, study and scholarship opportunities, and career counseling and networking.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a cybersecurity certification from the sponsoring entities.

Program Schedule

Phase 1: May 1, 2024 – July 30, 2024. Class meets virtually for 2 hours once per week.

Phase 2: Aug. 26, 2024 – Sept. 20, 2024. Class meets in person in Amman on PSUT campus, 5 days per week, 8 hours per day.

Phase 3: Sept. 23, 2024 – Dec. 13, 2024. Class meets virtually for 2 hours once per week.

Financial Support

The program will cover the following expenses for all student participants:

• All training and materials costs
• Meals and coffee breaks during in-person training sessions.

For those students residing in Amman, additional benefits include:

• Daily travel stipend for roundtrip transportation from accommodations in Amman to training and event venues (up to $300/student)

For those students residing outside of Amman, additional benefits (up to $1,690/student) include:

• Travel stipend for roundtrip transportation between participants’ home city/region to/from Amman.
• Overnight accommodations for the duration of the in-person boot camp event in Amman (participants will also be given the option of staying with a family member in Amman).
• A meals and incidentals allowance to defray costs on weekends/non-training days in Amman.

Accepted participants may also request a technology allowance to cover costs associated with accessing the virtual training components, such as a laptop rental, internet café fees, data connectivity packages, or similar.

Application Information

The Cyber Academy application is currently closed. The deadline to submit your application was February 15, 2024.

Eligibility

Applicants of any race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, or dis/ability are welcome. To be eligible to participate, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age 18–24
• Citizen of Jordan (applicants with refugee status may be given consideration).
• Currently living and studying/working in Jordan at the time of application and plan to remain in Jordan for the foreseeable future.
• Demonstrated interest in learning foundational cybersecurity skills and/or exploring careers related to cybersecurity.
• Commitment to participation in the entire program, including a four-week, in-person boot camp in Amman.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
  • Finalists should be able to fulfill most communication goals, even on unfamiliar topics. They should understand the main ideas of both concrete and abstract writing and should be able to interact with proficient English speakers easily.

Individuals in the following circumstances are NOT eligible for the Cyber Academy:

• U.S. citizens and/or permanent residents of the United States
• Individuals who are locally employed by the U.S. Government at the time of application and their immediate family members.
• Individuals residing or working outside Jordan at the time of application.
• Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.

Selection Process

The selection process will be composed of two stages. In Stage 1, written applications (submitted on paper or electronically) will be reviewed and a short list of semi-finalists selected based on the following criteria.

• A demonstrated interest in learning foundational cybersecurity skills and/or exploring careers related to cybersecurity.
• The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and to respect the opinions of others.
• Strong social and communication skills.
• Strong commitment to the program.
• An energetic, positive attitude.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Adaptability and learner mindset: ability to reflect on own skills, learn new skills, and self-develop.

In Stage 2, semi-finalists will participate in brief telephone interviews to evaluate English language capabilities (i.e., ability to communicate clearly in conversational English).

NOTIFICATION

All applicants will be notified via email about the result of their applications by March 25, 2024.