New cybersecurity scholarship available at Belmont College

Belmont College has a new scholarship opportunity available for students pursuing degrees in the cybersecurity or information technology programs. The Elizabeth Gates Technology Scholarship has been established to honor Elizabeth Gates, a trailblazing woman in the technology industry and chairwoman of the Belmont College Board of Trustees. 

According to an article on Belmont College’s website, Dr. Heather Davis, who serves as the school’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, commented on the establishment of the new scholarship, saying, “This is an exciting opportunity for our IT students. This scholarship is a wonderful way of empowering the next generation of individuals as technology and cybersecurity leaders, paving the way for a safer and more secure digital future, while honoring the work and commitment Mrs. Elizabeth Gates has given to technology and the Belmont College community.”

Elizabeth Gates is considered a trailblazer due to becoming one of the first women to work in technology at Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel in 1969. Gates then founded her own technology firm, HGO Technologies, in 1986. HGO Technologies was rebranded in 2014 as Omni Strategic Technologies. 

Chip​​​​ Calissie, who is the president of Omni Strategic Technologies, said of the establishment of the Elizabeth Gates Technology Scholarship, “In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the need for skilled and passionate individuals in the fields of technology and cybersecurity has never been greater. It is equally important to find ways to not only train and develop these individuals, but to also find ways to convince them to remain in the Ohio Valley and build the technology workforce of tomorrow. The Elizabeth Gates Technology Scholarship recognizes the potential of bright, motivated students who are currently enrolled at Belmont College and are also eager to make a difference in this ever-evolving landscape. By supporting their educational journey, we invest in the future of innovation and security, building a more resilient and connected world.”

The Elizabeth Gates Technology Scholarship awards between $500 and $1,000 to students in the cybersecurity or information technology programs at Belmont College. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, provide letters of recommendation, and write an essay discussing their strengths and goals for their future in cybersecurity or information technology. Additionally, students must commit to working practicum hours at Omni Strategic Technologies in the form of an internship. If they prove to be successful in their time at Omni Strategic Technologies, they may be offered paid employment.

“Omni Strategic Technologies wants to invest in student success and is committed to providing the resources and support needed for them to achieve their goals. We believe that every individual has the potential to make a significant contribution to the world,” said Calissie.

For more information about Belmont College, visit the school’s website.