SANS Cyber Workforce Academy is now accepting applications for its expanded Maryland training program, which includes dedicated ICS/OT and AI security tracks for career changers and IT professionals across Maryland. Applications opened June 1 for the grant-funded initiative, which aims to address the growing cybersecurity talent shortage. This expansion comes as the SANS 2026 Cybersecurity Workforce Survey report identifies the skills gap as a key workforce challenge for the industry, with 27% of organizations reporting that talent shortages directly contribute to security breaches.
Starting June 1, 2026, eligible Maryland residents can apply to the SANS Cyber Workforce Academy, which is in its sixth program cycle since its inception in 2018. Supported by the Maryland Department of Labor through the EARN Maryland grant, the 2026-2027 program will provide free training across three pathways: the existing Core track, the new ICS/OT Security track, and the new AI Security track for existing IT and cybersecurity professionals. Applications for all three tracks will be accepted until June 30, 2026.
“This investment reflects Maryland’s understanding of what’s at stake. The challenge across the industry is a lack of clarity about which training, which certifications, and which skills actually match what employers need,” Rob T. Lee, chief AI officer and director of research at the SANS Institute, elaborated in a media statement. “This program provides a pathway for nations at the intersection of national security, critical infrastructure, and emerging technology. With the right training, we can build a workforce that can actually protect our nation.”
The program is spread across three tracks, each built for a different entry point into the field.
The Core Cybersecurity Track continues the existing academy model that has placed more than 310 Marylanders into cybersecurity roles since the program’s inception in 2018, serving unemployed individuals and career changers with limited prior cybersecurity work experience.
Additionally, the ICS/OT Security track prepares career changers and incumbents for roles that protect critical infrastructure. Cybersecurity experience is preferred. Relevant technical or industrial background required. The AI Security track is designed for current IT and cybersecurity professionals who want to build their capabilities in AI-focused security roles.
Data from the SANS Cyber Academies program shows that 87% of graduates across the program are employed in a cybersecurity role within 12 months. Tim Nordvedt is one of them. In his late 30s and working two full-time jobs, he didn’t have any expertise in cybersecurity, but he looked for an alternative path and enrolled in the academy. Technical training was only part of it. Interview preparation, networking support, and career coaching completed his preparation. Currently, he is the Director of North American Solutions Architects in Cybersecurity.
All training will be conducted virtually to support participation across the state, including working adults, veterans, military spouses, individuals in under-resourced communities, and those with caregiving responsibilities. The program will run from summer 2026 to spring 2027 and is designed to support more than 60 participants.
Each participant will receive SANS technical training and course materials, GIAC certification exams, access to hands-on labs and cyber ranges, student advising and subject matter expert guidance, and career services including employer engagement. Participation is funded by the Maryland Department of Labor through the EARN Maryland Workforce Development Grant. Seating is limited.
Applications open on Monday, June 1, 2026 and close on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
