Lowcountry Tech Principal Selected for National Scholarship to Study Cyber Policy

Charleston, SC — As the Principal at Lowcountry Tech Academy, Sarah Earle works tirelessly to engage students in STEM/Cyber programs. A vocal advocate of the growing field of cyber security and the need for qualified professionals, Ms. Earle knew she wanted to take a more active role to help raise cyber awareness and bridge the gap between good practice and cyber policy. To accomplish these goals, she looked to further her education and pursued scholarship opportunities. At the end of March, Mrs. Earle learned that she was selected as an SWSIS Scholar by the Scholarship for Women Studying Information Security (SWSIS). As part of the program, she will receive a $5,000 scholarship, renewable for one year, towards her studies in information security.

The SWSIS program is a partnership between Applied Computer Security Associates, the CRA Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “At Lowcountry Tech I have had the amazing opportunity to discover and develop a deep interest in the many facets of cyber security,” said Mrs. Earle. “Being recognized with this scholarship is an incredible honor and will provide more opportunities for me to give back to my district, greater community, and students.” Mrs. Earle began her journey as an educator teaching French and transitioned to district leadership after being named teacher of the year. She served as an evaluator while she earned her second master’s degree in Secondary Education.

At Lowcountry Tech, Mrs. Earle has focused on cultivating cyber knowledge for students and expanding learning opportunities. Her students have competed in Cyber Aces, Cyber Patriot and the Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition, frequently winning recognition and awards. She is in the process of planning the fourth annual Palmetto Cyber Security Summer Camp in conjunction with SPAWAR Atlantic. This camp includes tracks for students in grades 6-12 with a focus of raising STEM/Cyber awareness in younger and traditionally underrepresented students.

Mrs. Earle will pursue dual master’s degrees in Cyber Security Policy and Business Administration through the University of Maryland University College. Classes will start in the fall of 2016. In December, she will head to Los Angeles, CA to be recognized by the SWSIS program and to formally receive her scholarship.