Become a Cybersecurity Mentor
Change a Life in 12 Hours
DEAFCYBERCON is recruiting 25 cybersecurity professionals to mentor deaf and hard-of hearing
people launching their careers. Your expertise + their talent = careers that strengthen our
entire industry.
The Commitment
Time
One 30-60 minute meeting per month for 12 months.
When
Program starts April 2026 and ends in April 2027
Stipend
$600 Stipend for completing the full program.
Training
Orientation, deaf culture, accessibility tools and best practices.
The Challenge We're Addressing:
Only 54% of deaf individuals are employed, compared to 68% overall. In cybersecurity—an industry desperate for talent with 2.8 million unfilled positions—deaf women face compounded barriers: limited professional networks, accessibility challenges in interviews, and isolation from informal mentorship that helps careers thrive.
The Opportunity:
We're launching a 12-month mentorship program pairing 25 deaf people with experienced cybersecurity professionals like you. This isn't just about filling jobs—it's about unlocking a talented, untapped workforce while strengthening the diversity that makes security teams more effective. You don’t need to know American Sign Language (ASL) to participate.
What We're Asking:
Time Commitment: One 30 - 60 minute virtual meeting per month (12 meetings total)
When: Starting April 2026
Your Role: Share your career journey, provide technical guidance, review resumes, conduct mock interviews, and introduce your mentee to your professional network
Compensation: $600 stipend for the year-long commitment
Training Provided: Deaf culture awareness, accessibility tools, ASL Interpreters, and mentor best practices
What You'll Gain:
Make a tangible impact on someone's life and career
Develop mentorship and leadership skills
Expand your own network within the cybersecurity community
Gain fresh perspectives that deaf professionals bring to security challenges
Be part of a pilot program creating systemic change in our industry
Who We're Looking For:
3+ years of cybersecurity experience (any specialty: GRC, pen testing, SOC, cloud security, etc.)
Willingness to learn about deaf culture and accessibility
Commitment to monthly meetings for 12 months
Based anywhere in the U.S. (all meetings are virtual)
The Timeline:
Applications close:
March 27, 2026Mentor training: April 2026
Program kickoff: April 2026
Mid-program Hiring Village: Month 6 (optional attendance)
Graduation celebration: April 2027
Why This Matters:
One of our participants, Jared, struggled with ADHD and deafness throughout school. Teachers misunderstood his communication challenges as inattention. After losing his job when his employer went under, he saw a C-SPAN discussion about cybersecurity talent shortages and thought, "I could be a cyber warrior." With mentorship from Rebecca L. and training support through DEAFCYBERCON, Jared is now pursuing dual degrees at RIT and NTID, on track for a cybersecurity career. He says: "The guidance and encouragement from my mentors has inspired me to keep pushing forward. I'm determined to show that deaf people can achieve great things.” Your mentorship could be the catalyst for 25 more success stories like Jared's.
Have Questions?
Contact us: angela@deafcybercon.org
Review the frequently asked questions below.
Check out our informational session.
Ready to Apply?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I've never worked with deaf individuals before. Is that okay?
A. Absolutely! We provide comprehensive training on deaf culture, communication best practices, and accessibility tools. Your willingness to learn is what matters.
Q. What accessibility accommodations are provided?
A: All group sessions facilitated by DEAFCYBERCON include ASL interpreters and CART (live captions). For one-on-one meetings, you and your mentee will decide together what works best (video relay, messaging, live captions, etc.).
Q. What if I need to miss a monthly meeting?
A. Life happens! We ask for advance notice so your mentee isn't left waiting. You can
reschedule within the same month.
Q. Can I mentor someone in a different cybersecurity specialty than mine?
A: Yes! We match based on career goals and learning style, not just technical specialty. Your
broader industry knowledge is valuable.
Q. What if my mentee doesn't get a job by the end of the program?
A: Success isn't just job placement—it's also skill building, networking, and confidence. Plus, the
alumni network continues support beyond 12 months. We celebrate all forms of progress.
Q. Do I need to attend all the quarterly events?
A: You are encouraged to do so but are not required. The Month 6 Hiring Village is the most important if you can
make it.
Q. What happens after 12 months?
A: You and your mentee can choose to continue the relationship informally, or you can mentor a new participant in future cohorts. Many of our mentors become long-term advisors.