There are many scholarships in this industry that, year after year, go unclaimed. The resources section lists some of these. Often, companies reimburse tuition. Some offer monetary assistance while you are getting a degree. In addition, manufacturers provide training discounts for users. For non-users, follow the manufacturer for specials, and don’t feel that you have to be a user to take their training classes. Additional resources and any updates can be found via our Linkedin^® group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12009655/ and through the associations and organizations listed below.

SUPPORT, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS

• The Nomad Futurist Foundation (https://www.nomadfuturist.org) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to demystify  the world of digital infrastructure and the related technologies that impact every aspect of our daily lives. Our primary focus is to empower and  inspire younger generations through exposure to the underlying technologies that power our  digital world and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. Through the contributions of  our supporters, we are launching global programs in partnership with a range of education providers, NGOs and other nonprofit organizations committed to educating children in underprivileged communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and opening up opportunities for growth and new career paths.
• MikeRoweWorks (https://www.mikeroweworks.org) is an organization that works to help those in the skilled trades and understands that there are many forms of education.
• iMasons (https://www.imasons.org) – The infrastructure Masons is an organization of “Builders of the Digital Age.” Their motto is Connect, Grow, Give Back. They also have a podcast called the Digital Foundation Podcast (https://www.imasons.media/), which discusses various industry topics with industry experts. And, they have a scholarship program for those wishing to enter the industry.
• 7x24Exchange (https://www.7x24exchange.org)– I love this organization as they have one of the most cohesive Women in Mission  Critical (WIMCO) and were one of the first  to do so. They have national and local chapter events, including local WIMCO events with  a plethora of content. Some have scholarships  as well, but in all cases these chapters and the  national chapter provide exceptional content.  They are also the founding organization behind  International Data Center Day. Watch for the festivities.
• Salute Mission Critical – https://salutemissioncritical.com/ is a global data center service provider with training and assistance to bring the military into the data center space.  They also have programs for spouses and children of the military.  They operate in several countries. Training is covered for many.
• Overwatch Mission Critical (https://weareoverwatch.com/)works to bring vets into the workforce in mission critical. As a certified service disabled veteran owned organization they have multiple programs.
• US Chamber Military Spouse Program (https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/hiring-our-heroes/military-spouse-program) and (https://milspousechamber.org/)

INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS (NOTE: SOME ALSO HAVE SCHOLARSHIPS)

• AFCOM (https://www.afcom.com)
• ASIS (https://www.asisonline.org)
• BICSI (https://www.bicsi.org)
• CompTIA (https://www.comptia.org)
• Dice/Bisnow (https://www.bisnow.com)
• IEEE – (https://www.ieee.org)
• Ethernet Alliance (https://www.ethernetalliance.org)
• ASHRAE (https://www.ashrae.org)
• The Green Grid (https://www.thegreengrid.org)
• The Open Compute Project (https://www.opencompute.org/)

PUBLICATIONS AND NEWSLETTERS

• Data Center Knowledge (https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/)
• Data Center Frontier (https://datacenterfrontier.com/)
• Network Computing (https://www.networkcomputing.com/)
• Inside Networks (https://www.insidenetworks.co.uk/)
• Mission Critical Magazine (https://www.missioncriticalmagazine.com/)