The Security Foundation

Mentorship & Sponsorship Programs

Mentorship and professional sponsorship can help individuals build skills, navigate career decisions, and connect with people who support their advancement. This page highlights programs across security, cybersecurity, and related fields that offer opportunities for guidance, connection, and career development. Explore these resources to find support for your next step or opportunities to share your experience and help others grow in the profession.

All programs are employer-agnostic, nonprofit or community-led, and free or low-barrier to join.

• IOBSE Mentorship Program* – Structured mentorship and sponsorship matching for students and early-career professionals in security, safety, and risk management, run by the International Organization of Black Security Executives.
• ASIS International – Security Leaders Mentoring Program* – Member-driven mentor matching across all career stages and security disciplines. Mentees search a global mentor directory and set engagement terms directly.
• SIA RISE – TIME Program (Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education) – A 12-month, one-on-one mentorship program for early and mid-career security industry professionals, presented by the Security Industry Association. Open to anyone; no membership required.
• Cyversity Mentorship Program* – 16-week cohort-based mentorship pairing mentees (under 5 years’ experience) with industry leaders. Focused on women, underrepresented communities, and veterans in cybersecurity. Student/veteran membership is $20/year.
• WiCyS Mentorship Programs* – Two tracks: a 9-month Professional Mentorship Program and a 4-month Aspiring Professional (undergraduate) group program. Free with membership ($15 students, $95 professionals); gender-inclusive.
• Girl Security Mentorship Program – Free, fully virtual seasonal mentorship connecting girls, young women, and gender minorities with national security professionals across government, business, and technology.
• VetSec – Free 501(c)(3) community for veterans and transitioning military entering cybersecurity, including mentorship, curated training pathways, and resume support.

About this Resource:

This list is provided for informational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement, partnership, or formal affiliation between The Security Foundation and any of the listed organizations or programs.

Program offerings, eligibility requirements, membership requirements, fees, and application deadlines are determined solely by the organizations administering these programs and may change at any time. The Security Foundation does not administer these programs or oversee participant selection, mentor matching, or professional sponsorship arrangements.

While we strive to keep this information current, we recommend verifying all details directly with the organization offering the program. To suggest additional mentorship or professional sponsorship programs for inclusion, please contact [email protected].