RSA Conference launches its own bailout plan

I am happy to report that the good folks at the RSA conference have announced their own economic stimulus plan for the security community. They are offering 25 full scholarships for delegate passes to this years RSA show to qualified unemployed security professionals. Here are the details:

RSA Conference just announced a special scholarship program specifically for unemployed security practitioners. Designed for previous attendees who have recently found themselves unemployed, the program will award RSA Conference 2009 delegate passes to 25 individuals.

Criteria to receive a scholarship include:

• Must be an information security professional (practitioner, security architect or similar role);

• Must have attended the 2007 or 2008 RSA Conference as a full conference delegate;

• Complete a 1000 character explanation on “Why I need to attend RSA Conference 2009”; and

• Complete a 750 character biography

To enter the program, potential recipients have until Thursday, April 2, to visit http://www.rsaconference.com/2009/us/scholarship.htm and submit the requested information. Twenty-five qualified entrants will be selected at random and notified on Friday, April 3, that they have received a free delegate pass to RSA Conference.

* This scholarship only covers the delegate registration fee for the RSA Conference 2009 in San Francisco from April 20 to 24 and does not cover hotel, travel, parking or any other incidental expenses.

I think this is a great move by RSA and it will be much a appreciated by 25 lucky people out of work who win these scholarships.