Scholarship

Scholarship Program

Information and data security are critical in protecting and in defending the United States economy, people, and society. Along with collaboration and information sharing of current professionals, the goal of TRISS is to encourage and support prospective professionals. Thanks in part to the generosity of our sponsors since 2016, TRISS can now fulfill this objective.

In 2019, To encourage and support students pursuing information security-related degrees and careers, the Three Rivers Information Security Symposium announced the creation of the TRISS Information Security Studies Scholarship, which will provide scholarships to deserving students from the western Pennsylvania region.

Eligibility requirements, how to apply, and submission deadlines can be found below. The TRISS Information Security Studies Scholarships are funded through the net proceeds of the Three Rivers Information Security Symposium and the support of our founding organizations.

Degree

Pursuing a degree with a focus on information security, information assurance, intelligence analysis, risk management or program with a related focus area.

Citizenship

A U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.

Location

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited institution located within 100 miles of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and/or the applicant resides within 100 miles of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

GPA

Must be attending classes on campus or online during the award period with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

GPA

May be attending full-time or part-time; if attending school on a part-time basis, must be taking at least two courses simultaneously.

Documents

Applicants must submit an unofficial transcript (or proof of enrollment if a first year student), resume, U.S.A. citizenship or residency documentation (Driver's License or Passport), one recommendation letter, and a personal statement.

Eligibility

Application

The following eligibility criteria are required to be submitted through the TRISS Google Form. Any additional material submitted will not be considered. Documents must be in PDF. Information provided by all applicants will be retained for one year on the TRISS Google Drive. Not all applicants will receive a scholarship, and applicants will only be contacted in the event of an award. Awards will be sent directly to the winners. The name, hometown, and accredited institution of all award winners will be posted on the TRISS website. Award winners will be required to provide proof of eligibility including:

Proof of citizenship and/or residency.
Unofficial transcript from a current or most recent academic institution.
Proof of grade point average.
Valid recommendation contact.

Scholarship awards are not automatically renewed. All scholarship recipients must re-apply for subsequent scholarships and will be re-evaluated with all submissions.

Career Commitment

Demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in information security, information assurance, intelligence analysis, risk management, or other position with a similar focus.

Teamwork

A demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and communicate effectively.

Utilization

How applicant will utilize scholarship funds.

Merit

Academic merit.

Attendance

Attending and/or volunteering for TRISS.

Evaluation Criteria

Scholarships Recipients

2023

Total - $31,000

Kelson Bowman - Robert Morris University
Evan Brooks - Robert Morris University
Grant Carvender - Robert Morris University
Kevin Hienz - Robert Morris University
Jesse Marks - Robert Morris University
Madison Maynard - Robert Morris University
Sean Miller - Robert Morris University
Haley Nangle - Robert Morris University
Nicole Pawlowski - University of Pittsburgh (Greensburg)
Shannon Pearsall - Robert Morris University
Marvin Posadas - Robert Morris University
Katherine Shannon - Robert Morris University
Cade Skuse - Robert Morris University
Logan Strausbaugh - Robert Morris University
Tyson Lindley - Carnegie Mellon University

2020

Total - $4,000

Due to the pandemic, funds for TRISS 2020 scholarships were given out to regional food banks to help our local communities. We provided funds to food banks in the following areas:

Allegheny County - $1,000

Armstrong County - $1,000

Washington County - $1,000

Westmoreland County - $1,000

2022

Total - $24,000

Daniel Barrack - Carnegie Mellon University
Evan Brooks - Robert Morris University
Elizabeth Bushey - Carnegie Mellon University
Katelyn Cole - Robert Morris University
Nathan Cross - Carnegie Mellon University
Anthony Guerrero - Robert Morris University
Justin Hackman - Robert Morris University
Alexander Keele - Geneva College
Kaden Mahsoob - Carnegie Mellon University
Austin Martin - Robert Morris University
Jihad Mayo - Robert Morris University
Marvin Posadas - Robert Morris University
Brandon Schuh - Robert Morris University
Katherine Shannon - Robert Morris University
Allison Zeanchock - Robert Morris University

2019

Total - $15,000

Joseph Gates - Carnegie Mellon University

Abhilash Kashyap - Carnegie Mellon University

Kaden Mahsoob - Robert Morris University

Brandon Nelson - Robert Morris University

Kimon Pope - Carnegie Mellon University

Shane Smith - Slippery Rock University

Christopher Cullen - Robert Morris University

Kelly Devito - Slippery Rock University

Allison Falk - The George Washington University