Skip to content

BIT FOUNDATION EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS & RESOURCES - 2026

Fine print: The award of any scholarship or grant is at BIT’s discretion. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and may not be awarded more than one scholarship or grant per calendar year. No cash equivalents are available. Scholarships and grants are not transferable. Recipients are responsible for their own financial reporting. Due to limited availability, only one scholarship may be awarded per user. BIT has the right to revoke scholarships if we discover incorrect or misleading information was provided by the recipient.

Partner with BIT Foundation

The Blacks In Technology Foundation is the largest organization dedicated to increasing the success of our diverse community of aspiring and tenured technologists in the global tech industry. With a network of 40,000+ members across the world—including engineers, founders, executives, students, and technologists—BIT is uniquely positioned to help organizations build meaningful connections with diverse tech talent and communities.

By partnering with BIT Foundation, companies gain opportunities to engage a highly skilled talent pipeline, support workforce development, and demonstrate authentic commitment to diversity and innovation. Through programs such as career fairs, technical webinars, community events, mentorship initiatives, and global conferences, our partners play a direct role in shaping the future of technology.

We invite forward-thinking organizations to collaborate with us to create opportunities, elevate talent, and drive lasting impact in the tech ecosystem.

Interested in partnering with BIT? Email us and let’s build the future together.

Training & Certification

Scholarships, grants, and discounted training and certification programs.

Job Seekers

Career placement, apprenticeship, and professional development tools.

Startups & Entrepreneurs

Programs and tools for the needs of Black tech founders.

Executive Programs

Programs for senior leaders and C-suite executives.

Freelance & Competitions

Freelance projects and sponsored competitions.

Charity & Giving

Charitable giving programs co-sponsored by BIT.

Mentorship & Volunteerism

Opportunities to give back through mentorship and volunteering.

Resources & Tools

Career development interactive tools and resources.

Training & Certification

Fortinet: Cybersecurity NSE Training Institute Certification Program
Audience: Beginners to Advanced
Requirements: None
Cost: $0 | Value $400

The Fortinet Training Institute provides certification and training in the growing field of cybersecurity. The program includes a wide range of self-paced, instructor-led, and virtual instructor-led training, as well as practical, experiential exercises that demonstrate mastery of complex network security concepts.

The Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) curriculum has been updated and improved with new courses and additional certifications. Kindly review all of the update information below and carefully listen to the following YouTube video, before selecting any courses.

https://www.fortinet.com/training-certification

https://youtu.be/GrD5So2lE3U?si=nhQgpXGBcIy_zvWY

Do not select all courses at once – just a couple or a few at a time at most. Before enrolling in a course please ensure you have reviewed all curriculum update information, and that you are entering at the correct level of training – or the courses allowed by the Program partner. If you have little or no technical or networking training, start at the Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) and then the non-certification Fortinet Networking Fundamentals course before Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA) – DO NOT START AT A HIGHER LEVEL THAN YOUR ABILITIES. DO NOT SELECT THE CERTIFICATION LEVEL, BUT RATHER THE COURSE OPTIONS BELOW IT.

Also, ensure you are entering with the proper syntax for your first name, last name and email address:

  • First name – not all caps, not all lowercase
  • Last name – not all caps, not all lowercase
  • Email address – all lowercase or your entry will not be uploaded to Fortinet’s system

Do not jump in at a higher course level than necessary, and do not register for all courses at once please. This program provides free exam vouchers for NSE 4 only – once you have validated successful completion of NSE 4. To bypass NSE 4 is a wasted opportunity at certification.

FORTINET CERTIFIED FUNDAMENTALS (FCF) – 1 Core + 1 Elective within 2 years – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • Introduction to the Threat Landscape – Core course
  • Getting Started in Cybersecurity – Elective course
  • Technical Introduction to Cybersecurity – Elective course

FORTINET NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS

  • (non-certification course and best if you have no technical background)

FORTINET CERTIFIED ASSOCIATE (FCA) – 1 Core – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • FortiGate 7.4 Operator

FORTINET CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (FCP) in Network Security – 1 Core + 1 Elective within 2 years – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • NSE 4 FortiGate Security
  • NSE 4 FortiGate Infrastructure
  • NSE 5 FortiClient EMS
  • NSE 5 FortiManager
  • NSE 6 FortiAnalyzer Administrator
  • NSE 6 FortiAuthenticator
  • NSE 6 FortiNAC
  • NSE 6 FortiSwitch
  • NSE 6 Secure Wireless LAN

FORTINET CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (FCP) in Public Cloud Security – 1 Core + 1 Elective within 2 years – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • NSE 6 Cloud Security for AWS
  • NSE 6 Cloud Security for Azure
  • NSE 4 FortiGate Security
  • NSE 4 FortiGate Infrastructure
  • NSE 6 FortiMail               
  • NSE 6 FortiWeb

FORTINET CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (FCP) in Security Operations – 2 Electives within 2 years – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • NSE 4 FortiGate Security
  • NSE 4 FortiGate Infrastructure
  • NSE 5 FortiAnalyzer Analyst
  • NSE 5 FortiSIEM
  • NSE 6 FortiSOAR Administrator
  • NSE 5 FortiEDR 

FORTINET CERTIFIED SOLUTION SPECIALIST (FCSS) in Zero Trust Access – 1 Core – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • NSE 7 Zero Trust Access

FORTINET CERTIFIED SOLUTION SPECIALIST (FCSS) in Network Security – 1 Core + 1 Elective within 2 years – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • NSE 7 Enterprise Firewall            
  • NSE 7 LAN Edge
  • NSE 7 Network Security Support Engineer
  • NSE 7 SD-WAN

FORTINET CERTIFIED SOLUTION SPECIALIST (FCSS) in Public Cloud Security – 1 Core – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • NSE 7 Public Cloud Security        

FORTINET CERTIFIED SOLUTION SPECIALIST (FCSS) in Security Operations – 1 Core – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • NSE 7 Advanced Analytics

FORTINET CERTIFIED SOLUTION SPECIALIST (FCSS) in OT Security – 1 Core – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

  • NSE 7 OT Security
FORTINET NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS BOOTCAMP (SEE FLYER) – SELECT COURSE FROM BELOW

Program: SplunkWorks+ Training
Audience: All
Requirements: None
Cost: $0

As part of the $100 million Splunk Pledge, we have committed to supporting efforts to train the workforce of tomorrow, equipping you with the Splunk skills to position you for the opportunities of today.

The SplunkWork+ community you are about to join is for those participating in programs provided by Upwardly Global and requires that you register with an email address issued by Upwardly Global. Through this partnership, you will have access to award-winning eLearning courses that will help prepare you for cutting-edge jobs that are available right now with companies around the world.

These skills are in demand at leading companies around the world. More than 17,000 customers in over 110 countries use Splunk solutions, including 90 of the Fortune 100. Join millions of passionate users by signing up now!

Download the Splunk Certification Candidate Handbook

Register now to view more than 13,660 Splunk jobs and get started today! Certifications will be awarded on a monthly basis.

Program: Google Professional Certificates
Audience: All
Requirements: None
Cost: $0 | Value $300

Google Career Certificates provide people with access to in-demand jobs through rapid reskilling without the need for
a college degree or prior experience in the fields of IT support, data analytics, project management, and user experience
(UX) design. 

These certificates were developed and taught by Google employees, and are hands-on, practical, and rigorous. They can be completed in under six months part-time.

75% of Google IT Support Professional Certificate completers in the U.S. report a positive career outcome like a new job, enhanced skills, promotion, or raise within 6 months.

Certificates Include:

Google Career Certificates are now available for college credit at select universities! These online courses offer accessible pathways to careers in high-growth fields for job seekers of all experience levels.

Program: LinkedIn Learning Skills Training
Audience: All
Requirements: None
Cost: $0

Learn relevant skills for jobs in-demand

Start developing your skills for free with learning paths from LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft Learn, then practice tech skills in the GitHub Learning Lab.

Specializations Include:

  • Software Developer
  • Sales Representative
  • Project Manager
  • IT Administrator
  • Customer Service Specialist
  • Digital Marketer
  • IT Support/Help Desk
  • Data Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Graphic Designer

Click here to learn more.

Program: Linux Foundation Scholarship Program
Audience: All
Requirements: None
Cost: $0

Blacks In Technology and the Linux Foundation have partnered to offer free Linux training and certifications vouchers. A value up to $500.

All training and certification testing is available online. The certifications supported include:

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

If you are interested in receiving a voucher for certification, please be advised that Intermediate and Advanced certifications require current practitioner level knowledge of Linux. Certifications may take 4-6 months to complete. 

Job Seekers

CiscoTalentBridge_logo copy

Cisco: Talent Bridge Matching Engine
Audience: Technical Job Seekers
Requirements: None
Cost: $0

The Talent Bridge program addresses the tech skills gap with a holistic approach by connecting Cisco and partner employers to qualified candidates.

We support employers throughout their employee lifecycle and prepare talent to join the workforce. Our Talent Bridge Matching Engine automates the connection between employers and job seekers at no cost.

BIT members apply for Cisco Talent Bridge here.

COOP Careers Employment Assistance Program
Audience: Recent College Graduates
Cost: $0

COOP Careers mission is to overcome underemployment through digital skills and peer connections. Recent college grads learn digital skills, build community, and pursue full-time offers in:

  • Digital Marketing
  • Data Analytics
  • Tech Sales

Must be located in one of the following cities:

  • Chicago
  • Los Angeles
  • New York City
  • San Francisco
  • San Jose

Candidates must meet all of the criteria below:

  • You’ve earned your bachelor’s degree within the last 10 years and will have it before the first day of program

  • You are unemployed (and legally authorized to work in U.S.) or underemployed (meaning your current job description does not require a bachelor’s degree)

  • You earn less than $50,000 per year

  • You are a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S. (ie. permanent resident, employment authorization, DACA recipient)

  • You must be at least 21 years of age by the first day of program

  • You must be available four evenings per week (M-Th) for the duration of the program

In addition, candidates should also identify with at least one of these criteria:

  • First-generation college grad: You (or a sibling) are the first in your immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree in the United States

  • Financial aid recipient: You qualified for public financial aid during most or all of college (examples include federal Pell Grants; TAP and SEEK grants in New York; MAP Grant in Illinois; or Cal Grants in California)

Register here

Startups & Entrepreneurs

Coming Soon!

Executive Programs

Program: Publish Don't Perish Program
Audience: Senior Subject Matter Experts
Requirements: Proven Subject Matter Expert
Cost: $0

Senior Black technologists are wanted to write technical books which will be published via O’Reilly publishing. O’Reilly will provide writing and copy editing resources and guide you through the writing process. The only pre-requisite is that you have to be able to demonstrate your expertise in a particular subject area. 

If you are considering writing a book or would like to know more information, contact the Programs and Partnerships committee at programs@blacksintechnology.org.

Freelance & Competitions

Coming Soon

Mentorship & Volunteerism

Coming Soon!

Charity & Giving

Program: Affordable Connectivity Program
Audience: All
Requirements: None
Program Type: Government

Emergency Broadband Benefit recipients fully enrolled as of December 31, 2021 will automatically continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. You can learn more about the program transition and steps you may need to take to stay enrolled after March 1st, by visiting fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.

About the Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
  • Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
  • Participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program.

Enroll here.

Program: Tech Conference Travel Fund
Audience: All
Requirements: None
Program Type: Charity

The Blacks In Technology Foundation and The Linux Foundation have teamed up to provide travel subsidies for BIT members that may need financial assistance to attend technical conferences. If you are requiring financial assistance, contact us at

Programs Committee.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn Learning: Basic Computer Training

Tool: Learning the Basics of Computing Audience: Computer Beginners In a series of videos, Microsoft provides a tool for those interested in technology, but have little to no experience with computers. This is a great place to start if you are working with computers for the first time.

Tool: Cybersecurity Career Pathway
Audience: Cybersecurity Job Seekers

There are many opportunities for workers to start and advance their careers within cybersecurity. This interactive career pathway shows key jobs within cybersecurity, common transition opportunities between them, and detailed information about the salaries, credentials, and skillsets associated with each role.

Tool: Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map
Audience: Cybersecurity Job Seekers

Cybersecurity talent gaps exist across the country. Closing these gaps requires detailed knowledge of the cybersecurity workforce in your region. This interactive heat map provides a granular snapshot of demand and supply data for cybersecurity jobs at the state and metro area levels, and can be used to grasp the challenges and opportunities facing your local cybersecurity workforce.

Tool: Explore Your Tech Landscape
Audience: Cybersecurity Job Seekers

Use this interactive map to explore the tech sector and tech occupations in states and key metro areas across the United States.