Chris Sanders

As a lot of my frequent readers know, 100% of the profits from my books sales and the advertising revenue on this site go to support the Rural Technology Fund, a non-profit I direct that provides scholarships to students from rural areas pursuing degrees in technical fields. We’ve just announced our 2012 scholarship offerings. This includes a brand new offering, a $2500 scholarship available to any high school senior or undergraduate student who attended high school in a rural area, is pursuing a degree in a technical field, and has a strong interest in cyber security.

Cyber Security Scholarship

The Cyber Security scholarship is awarded annually to one high school senior or undergraduate college student who is currently or has attended high school in a rural community. In order to be considered for this scholarship, the applicant must demonstrate an interest in cyber security. The student must also be planning to attend college to pursue a degree in a computer technology related field, or already doing so as part of an undergraduate degree program. This scholarship is awarded based upon answers to a series of essay questions that are designed to gauge the student’s passion for his or her intended career in cyber security as well as the student’s sense of citizenship and pride in their rural community. This scholarship is awarded in the amount of $2500.00.

Judith A. Sanders Memorial Scholarship

The Judith A. Sanders Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student from the rural community of Graves County in Western Kentucky. In order to be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must currently be attending Graves County High School or Mayfield High School as a senior. The student must also be planning to attend college to pursue a degree in a computer technology related field. This scholarship is awarded based upon answers to a series of essay questions that are designed to gauge the student’s passion for his or her intended career in computer technology as well as the student’s sense of citizenship and pride in their rural community. This scholarship is awarded in the amount of $1000.00.

Kentucky Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) Scholarship

The Kentucky Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) Scholarship is open to students from schools in Kentucky who have a passion for using technology skills to make a positive social change in the world or at home in their communities. In order to be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must currently be attending a rural high school as a senior in the state of Kentucky and be an active member of their schools STLP. Additionally, the student must also be planning to attend college to pursue a degree in a computer technology related field. This scholarship is awarded based upon answers to a series of essay questions that are designed to gauge the student’s passion for his or her intended career in computer technology as well as the student’s sense of citizenship and pride in their rural community. This scholarship is awarded in the amount of $1000.00.

The submission deadline for all three scholarships is April 15^th, 2012. In order to apply, please visit http://www.ruraltechfund.org/scholarships.

About the Rural Technology Fund

Established in 2008, the Rural Technology Fund (RTF) seeks to reduce the digital divide between rural communities and their more urban and suburban counterparts. This is done through targeted scholarship programs, community involvement, and the general promotion and advocacy of technology in rural areas.

The RTF wants to help rural students recognize the opportunity in technology careers and gain the education necessary to work in the computer industry.

I wanted to take a moment and link over to a project I have been working on for quite some time. I’ve recently founded a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called the Rural Technology Fund. Coming from a small rural area that really lacked in opporunities for those interested in technology, I know how challenging it can be to pursue a career in that field. The goal of the RTF is to provide opportunities to students from rural areas pursuing education in computer technology.

There are two main ways this is done -

Scholarships – This year the RTF is giving away two $500 scholarships. Hopefully we can give away much much more next academic year.

The Genesis program – Working with county youth service centers and local businesses, this program aims to utilize area volunteers to refurbish donated business PC’s for donation to students who do not have computers at home. The Genesis program gives birth to opportunities for these students and their families.

How can you help?

Packet Analysis Training - A portion of the income from EVERY training program I do goes directly to the RTF. This includes live training downloadable videos (coming soon).

Monetary Donations – The RTF is accepting donations, and all of those donations are tax deductible.

Computer and Equipment Donations – The Genesis Program is accepting donated computers to be refurbished and donated to students in needs. These computers should be in fairly decent condition and at least have a functioning motherboard and processor. We are also accepting monitor, keyboard, mouse, and software donations.

For more information on the Rural Technology Fund, check out www.ruraltechfund.org.