May 28, 2021

Junior named National Cyber Scholar

An Upper St. Clair High School junior has been named a National Cyber Scholar in the recent National Cyber Scholarship Competition. Sambhav Saggi earned a $2,500 scholarship as well as the opportunity to participate in the Cyber Foundations Academy, a multi-week online program based on the nationally-recognized SANS Foundations training course and certification.

Sambhav competed against 5,000 high school students in a cybersecurity competition designed to challenge its participants to solve computer security problems and/or capture and defend computer systems. In total, 50,000 students nationwide sought to qualify for the NCSC; with just 10% meeting the requirements.

“The National Cyber Scholarship Competition recognizes high school students who have demonstrated exceptional cybersecurity prowess and who wish to pursue a career in a growing field in critical need of their talent,” noted David Brown, executive director, National Cyber Scholarship Foundation. “The NCSF mission is to identify and develop the next generation of cyber professionals. Each and every student who participated in this competition has the potential to develop their skills and build a successful career in cybersecurity.”

The competition, which is open to high school students age 13 or older, awards 570 college scholarships to the top-performing students. Thirty Scholars with Honors receive $3,000 scholarships and 540 Scholars earn $2,500 scholarships to pursue cybersecurity training at any U.S. college or university. Sambhav is one of just 17 National Cyber Scholars in Pennsylvania. (view the list of Finalists, Scholars and Scholars with Honors)

There are several qualification pathways for the National Cyber Scholarship Competition including CyberStart America, a free online program that helps students discover their interest in cybersecurity and develop their talent and skills. To learn more visit: National Cyber Scholarship Foundation.

In addition to being named a National Cyber Scholar, Sambhav has participated in the Pennsylvania FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition and is a student leader of Upper St. Clair High School’s computer club. He was recently inducted in the National Honor Society.