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PTG Cybersecurity Scholarship Program
Petronella Technology Group is committed to supporting the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Our scholarship program awards talented students who are passionate about technology, security, and making the digital world a safer place for everyone. Open to students worldwide, with no application fee.
Award
Empowering Future Cybersecurity Leaders
Petronella Technology Group, Inc. is the leading Managed IT Security Services Provider based in Raleigh, NC, helping medical practices, defense contractors, financial institutions, and other businesses that are subject to security and compliance regulations. With over 22 years of experience, 2,500+ companies served, and a strong security track record for clients on our managed program, PTG has established itself as one of the most trusted names in cybersecurity.
As a prestigious IT company, we understand our responsibility toward the future of our industry and toward society at large. The cybersecurity talent shortage is one of the greatest challenges facing the technology sector today, with millions of positions going unfilled globally. PTG's scholarship program is our way of contributing to the solution by supporting bright and talented students who want to build careers in information technology and cybersecurity.
The PTG Cybersecurity Scholarship is open to all students worldwide who demonstrate a passion for technology and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the field of information security. Whether you are an undergraduate just beginning your journey or a graduate student conducting advanced research, we want to hear from you and support your educational goals.
This scholarship is not just about financial support. It represents PTG's belief that the next great cybersecurity innovators could come from anywhere in the world, and that financial barriers should never prevent talented individuals from pursuing their educational aspirations. We have designed the program to be accessible, inclusive, and rewarding for students who bring creativity, critical thinking, and passion to the cybersecurity challenges of today and tomorrow.
Who Can Apply
The PTG Cybersecurity Scholarship is designed to be accessible to students from all backgrounds and educational institutions. We welcome applications from anyone who meets the following criteria and has a genuine interest in pursuing a career in technology and cybersecurity.
Academic Standing
Graduate, undergraduate, and postgraduate students from any accredited educational institute in the world are eligible to apply. You must currently be enrolled in a degree program at the time of application.
GPA Requirement
Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or the international equivalent at your educational institution.
Open Worldwide
Students from any country and any educational institution in the world are welcome to apply. There are no geographic restrictions on eligibility for this scholarship program.
Free to Apply
There is absolutely no fee to apply for the PTG Cybersecurity Scholarship. We believe that financial barriers should never prevent talented students from pursuing educational opportunities.
Important note: Employees of Petronella Technology Group, Inc. and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the scholarship program. All other students who meet the eligibility criteria above are encouraged to apply.
Presentation Topics
To apply for the PTG Cybersecurity Scholarship, applicants must create and submit an excellent PowerPoint presentation on one of the following cybersecurity and technology topics. Your presentation should demonstrate depth of knowledge, clear communication skills, original thinking, and practical relevance to real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Digital Forensics Incident Response
Explore the methodologies, tools, and best practices used in digital forensics and incident response (DFIR). Cover topics such as evidence preservation, chain of custody, forensic analysis techniques, and the incident response lifecycle that organizations follow when responding to a cybersecurity breach.
Benefits of Penetration Testing
Make the case for why organizations should invest in regular penetration testing as part of their cybersecurity program. Discuss different types of penetration tests, the methodologies used, how findings translate into actionable remediation steps, and the business value that pen testing provides to organizations of all sizes.
Ransomware & Zero Day Malware Protection
Detail the best solutions available for protecting healthcare organizations and businesses in other regulated verticals against ransomware and zero-day malware threats. Cover prevention strategies, detection capabilities, response procedures, and recovery planning that organizations should implement.
Data Recovery Software Analysis
Research and present ten excellent data recovery software packages, providing a comprehensive analysis of their features, capabilities, pricing, and use cases. Detail the pros and cons of each solution, compare their effectiveness in different data loss scenarios, and recommend the best options for different types of users.
Website Security Without Tools or Plugins
Present practical tips and strategies for securing a website from cyberattacks without relying on third-party tools or plugins. Cover topics such as secure coding practices, server hardening, input validation, content security policies, and other native security measures that developers can implement.
Artificial Intelligence in Information Technology
Explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the information technology landscape. Cover current applications of AI in cybersecurity, IT automation, threat intelligence, compliance monitoring, and emerging AI capabilities that will shape the future of the technology industry.
Password Recovery Tools
Research and present the seven best password recovery tools available, including a detailed analysis of their capabilities, security implications, ethical usage considerations, and how they relate to password management best practices that organizations and individuals should follow.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Every application receives careful, thorough review by the Petronella Technology Group professional staff. Our review process is designed to identify students who demonstrate not just technical knowledge, but also critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to communicate complex topics effectively.
Submit Your Presentation
Create your PowerPoint presentation on one of the approved cybersecurity topics listed above. Email your completed presentation to [email protected] with "Scholarship" in the subject line. Ensure your presentation includes your full name, educational institution, current degree program, and contact information.
Staff Review
All presentations are reviewed by the Petronella Technology Group professional staff, including cybersecurity engineers, compliance analysts, and senior leadership. Presentations are evaluated on technical accuracy, depth of research, clarity of communication, originality of insights, visual presentation quality, and practical applicability to real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Winner Announcement
Scholarship winners are announced publicly by Petronella Technology Group. All applicants are notified of the results. The $1,200 USD scholarship award is provided directly to the winning student. Winners may also be featured on the PTG website and social media channels to highlight their achievement and contribution to the cybersecurity community.
Evaluation Criteria
Our Scholarship Legacy
The PTG Cybersecurity Scholarship has been running for multiple years, supporting talented students from educational institutions around the world. Each year, the program attracts applications from students who are passionate about cybersecurity and eager to make a difference in the industry. Past scholarship recipients have gone on to pursue successful careers in information security, compliance, software development, and technology leadership.
The scholarship program reflects PTG's longstanding belief that education and mentorship are among the most powerful tools for strengthening the cybersecurity community. Previous applicants have submitted presentations covering topics from advanced ransomware defense strategies to the ethical implications of AI in cybersecurity, demonstrating the exceptional caliber of talent that exists among students who are passionate about protecting the digital world. Winners have represented educational institutions from across the United States and internationally, showcasing the truly global reach of the program.
PTG's Investment in Education & Community
The cybersecurity scholarship is just one part of Petronella Technology Group's broader commitment to education, community engagement, and building a stronger cybersecurity workforce. Since our founding in 2002, we have invested in initiatives that share knowledge, develop talent, and make cybersecurity accessible to everyone.
Cybersecurity Podcast
Our "Cybersecurity & Compliance" podcast, hosted by Craig Petronella, provides free educational content on cybersecurity best practices, compliance frameworks, threat intelligence, and technology trends. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Google Podcasts, the show has become a trusted resource for IT professionals and business owners seeking to improve their security knowledge.
Published Works
Craig Petronella has authored multiple books on cybersecurity and identity theft prevention, on cybersecurity and identity theft prevention. These publications provide accessible, actionable guidance that helps individuals and businesses protect themselves from cyber threats without requiring deep technical expertise.
Speaking & Mentorship
Craig regularly speaks at universities, conferences, and community events, sharing cybersecurity knowledge and career guidance with the next generation of technology professionals. PTG's team members also mentor students and early-career professionals, providing the real-world insights and connections that help launch successful careers in information security.
Take the First Step Toward Your Cybersecurity Career
Submit your PowerPoint presentation on any of the approved cybersecurity topics and compete for the $1,200 PTG Cybersecurity Scholarship. If you have questions about the program, our team is happy to help.
Email your presentation to [email protected] with "Scholarship" in the subject line.
Why Choose Petronella Technology Group
Petronella Technology Group has been serving businesses in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Research Triangle since 2002. With more than 2,500 businesses served across a wide range of industries, PTG provides the technology expertise and cybersecurity knowledge that organizations need to operate securely and efficiently in today's threat landscape.
PTG is led by Craig Petronella, a Licensed Digital Forensic Examiner, CMMC Registered Practitioner, and MIT Certified professional. Craig's leadership ensures that every PTG engagement is grounded in technical rigor and practical experience. PTG has held Better Business Bureau accreditation since 2003 and has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and WRAL as a recognized cybersecurity authority.
Whether you need managed IT services, cybersecurity protection, compliance assistance, cloud solutions, or digital marketing support, PTG delivers comprehensive technology services under one roof. PTG's approach begins with understanding your business goals and risk profile, then designing solutions that align with your budget and growth plans. PTG is located at 5540 Centerview Dr Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27606, and serves clients throughout North Carolina and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What services does Petronella Technology Group provide?
PTG provides managed IT services, cybersecurity, compliance consulting, cloud solutions, digital marketing, AI implementation, and digital forensics. PTG serves as a comprehensive technology partner, allowing businesses to access enterprise-grade IT and security capabilities without building large internal teams.
Q: How long has PTG been in business?
PTG was founded in 2002 and has served more than 2,500 businesses over more than two decades. PTG has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2003. The company is led by Craig Petronella, a Licensed Digital Forensic Examiner, CMMC Registered Practitioner, and MIT Certified professional.
Q: What areas does PTG serve?
PTG is headquartered at 5540 Centerview Dr Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27606, and primarily serves businesses in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Research Triangle. PTG also works with organizations across North Carolina and other states, with many services available for delivery regardless of location.
Q: How can I get started with PTG?
The easiest way to get started is to call PTG at 919-348-4912 or visit petronellatech.com/contact-us/ to schedule an initial consultation. PTG will discuss your current technology challenges, business objectives, and budget to recommend the right combination of services for your organization.
Q: Does PTG work with small businesses?
Yes. PTG has extensive experience working with small and medium-sized businesses across many industries. PTG understands the budget and resource constraints that smaller organizations face and designs solutions that deliver maximum protection and value within realistic budgets.
Take the Next Step With Petronella Technology Group
Whether you need managed IT services, cybersecurity protection, compliance consulting, cloud solutions, or digital marketing, Petronella Technology Group is ready to help. Since 2002, PTG has served over 2,500 businesses across the Research Triangle and beyond. Contact PTG today to schedule your consultation and discover how we can help your business thrive.