Renewed and rising: SBS CyberSecurity strengthens support for DSU

June 24, 2024

SBS CyberSecurity has renewed its partnership with Dakota State University and commitment to educational excellence with a $300,000 donation to support CybHER and the SBS Scholarship Endowment.

SBS CyberSecurity is headquartered in Madison, S.D., and provides cybersecurity products and services to clients in nearly every industry. SBS has over 90 employees across more than 25 states, many of whom are DSU alumni as well.

SBS has long been a supporter of DSU, having contributed nearly $250,000 already. This latest commitment underscores SBS’s dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion within the tech industry by providing funding to further enhance CybHER’s reach and resources. CybHER is dedicated to promoting and supporting women in cybersecurity fields through education.

CybHER provides educational opportunities through camps, in school K-12 outreach, online resources, and more.

This donation will also help strengthen DSU’s cybersecurity programs and initiatives while reinforcing the university’s pivotal role as a hub of technological expertise and innovation in education. It will also add to scholarship funding, which is open to all students to apply to help the ongoing and growing need for cybersecurity talent nationwide.

The SBS Scholarship Endowment aims to remove financial barriers to education for promising students, enabling them to focus on their studies and career preparation.

“SBS CyberSecurity has been an integral part of CybHER’s growth since its inception in 2013,” said Dr. Ashley Podhradsky, CybHER co-founder, and DSU’s Vice President for Research and Economic Development.

“SBS support helped fund the first scholarship CybHER was able to award to DSU students,” she added. “I’m grateful for the ongoing and continued support SBS provides CybHER and DSU.”

Strategic corporate partnerships like SBS and DSU’s, play a powerful role in advancing education and professional development in critical fields like cybersecurity. SBS support allows DSU to maintain its leadership in tech education.

“SBS Cybersecurity is thrilled to empower the next generation of innovators and security experts at DSU,” said Chad Knutson, SBS CyberSecurity CEO.

Jon Waldman, SBS CyberSecurity President, adds, “As proud alumni of DSU, we couldn’t be prouder of the innovative work that Dr. Podhradsky has done with CybHER, as well as the exciting new programs DSU is offering to stay on the cutting edge of cybersecurity education. We’re excited to see what the future holds.”

SBS hopes this financial gift will inspire support for broader community engagement with DSU’s cybersecurity initiatives. DSU provides a variety of opportunities for community involvement through mentorship programs, DSU sponsored events, camps, and donations.