Student Freedom Initiative and Fusion Cyber Proudly Offer STEM Certification Funding through Denmark Technical College
WASHINGTON, DC [April 3, 2024] – Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) is proud to announce a partnership with Fusion Cyber to help students at Denmark Technical College in South Carolina achieve STEM certifications that will propel them into successful careers.
SFI's Student Freedom Loan Agreement (SFLA) will fund Denmark Tech students in all academic majors to obtain STEM certifications offered by Fusion Cyber. Denmark Tech is the first school in the SFI cohort to partner with Fusion Cyber, and Fusion Cyber is the first certification program of its kind to qualify for SFLA support.
“We are excited that Denmark Tech students will be able to use the SFLA to gain certifications in fields that will give them an edge in landing good jobs,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, SFI’s president and CEO. “The SFLA has offered up to $40,000 for STEM majors who are sophomores, juniors, and seniors. This benefit is now expanding to include STEM certifications for all academic majors, based on economic demands, the future of work, and industry feedback.”
“SFI’s partnership with Fusion Cyber is a significant step in our efforts to close the racial wealth gap through education,” said Robert F. Smith, founder and chairman of SFI. “STEM majors and those with STEM certifications earn more. For students not majoring in STEM, these certifications will broaden their capabilities and make them more attractive candidates.”
The SFLA offers unique benefits: no origination fees, a low interest rate (below Parent PLUS), interest that never capitalizes, no payments required during school, an option to defer 12 monthly payments, $0 payment required if the student’s income is less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level ($45,180 in 2024), and debt forgiveness beginning the sixth year if income remains below that threshold.
“Denmark Tech’s partnership with Fusion Cyber has been transformational,” said Dr. Willie Todd, President of Denmark Technical College. “Offering our students alternative student financial resources through this agreement with Student Freedom Initiative is a significant advantage and will help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
The partnership between SFI, Denmark Tech, Fusion Cyber, and Cisco creates a multi-dimensional impact model.
“We are thrilled to connect our partnership with Denmark Tech to the mission of Student Freedom Initiative,” said Christopher Etesse, CEO of Fusion Cyber. “Our effort to train veterans and individuals from underrepresented communities is strategic in strengthening our nation’s response to the growing cybersecurity crisis. SFI’s support will enable us to scale much more rapidly.”
About Student Freedom Initiative
Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) is a nonprofit organization aiming to reduce the wealth gap through education. It provides a catalyst for freedom in professional and life choices for students attending Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) by increasing their social and economic mobility. SFI enables mobility through: (1) Student Freedom Fund; (2) internships and industry-driven certifications; (3) comprehensive support; and (4) targeted MSI capacity building. SFI collaborates with community-based organizations, businesses, and governmental entities. To learn more, visit https://studentfreedominitiative.org/ and follow @StudentFreedom.
About Denmark Technical College
Denmark Technical College is a public community college in Denmark, South Carolina, serving Bamberg, Barnwell, and Allendale counties. It's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. To learn more, visit https://www.denmarktech.edu/.
About Fusion Cyber
Fusion Cyber educates diverse groups of learners, building a generational impact while protecting the nation. Its 24-week and 32-week Risk Management Framework (RMF) programs are facilitated by professionals. To learn more, visit https://fusioncyber.co/.
Citation Sources
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