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BILLY BOATRIGHT
CYBER EXCELLENCE AWARD
A Legacy of Resilience, Courage, and Growth
HONORING BILLY BOATRIGHT
Billy Boatright's journey into cybersecurity was anything but conventional. From playing Little League baseball as a child to an award-winning career as a flair bartender in Las Vegas, and eventually finding his place in cybersecurity and social engineering, Billy understood what it meant to pursue new opportunities and embrace unfamiliar challenges.
In his book, Swing Away: Conquering Impostor Syndrome, Billy recalled seventeen words that changed his life. He attributed them to baseball legend Babe Ruth:
"If you're good enough to have a bat in your hands, you're good enough to swing it."
That message became a fitting theme for Billy's work addressing impostor syndrome, including his 2019 presentation at DEF CON's Social Engineering Village and the book that followed.
The Billy Boatright Cyber Excellence Award honors his name by helping ISSA Las Vegas members pursue their own professional growth through education, training, and certification.
Whether taking the first step into cybersecurity, pursuing a new certification, or advancing an established career, the award encourages members to recognize their potential and take the next swing.
ABOUT THE AWARD
ISSA Las Vegas is committed to supporting the professional development of its members and advancing the cybersecurity profession throughout our community.
Through the Billy Boatright Cyber Excellence Award, the chapter has allocated up to $1,500 to support two members pursuing industry-relevant training, education, or certification.
Each recipient may receive up to $750 in reimbursement for approved educational expenses.
The award is intended to help members build their skills, expand their knowledge, and pursue opportunities that support their professional goals.
WHO CAN APPLY
The Billy Boatright Cyber Excellence Award is open to ISSA Las Vegas members who meet the following requirements:
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Applicants must be ISSA Las Vegas members in good standing, as verified through ISSA International.
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Applicants must identify a specific, industry-relevant training course, educational program, or certification they intend to pursue.
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Each member is eligible to receive only one award.
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Only two awards will be granted through this pilot program.
Applications will be evaluated based on the proposed program's relevance to the applicant's professional goals, its potential impact on career advancement, and the clarity and thoughtfulness of the application.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
Award funding may be used toward approved, industry-relevant education, training, or certification expenses.
Eligible expenses include:
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Industry-relevant training courses
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Professional education programs
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Certification courses and examinations
The following expenses are not eligible:
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Software purchases
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Subscription services or software licensing
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ISSA chapter membership dues
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Expenses already reimbursed by an employer or another organization
Reimbursement is limited to the actual approved expense or $750, whichever is less. Any remaining balance cannot be applied toward additional purchases. Recipients are not required to pass an examination or complete a certification to receive reimbursement. Eligibility is based on proof of payment for the approved expense.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Choose Your Program
Identify the specific certification, training course, or educational program you would like to pursue. Include the program name, provider or institution, and estimated cost.
2. Prepare Your Application
Provide your name, ISSA membership number, current role and employer, and a 250–400-word essay addressing the required topics outlined below.
3. Submit Your Application
Email your completed application to grants@lvissa.org during the announced application window.
Applications will be reviewed by the ISSA Las Vegas Education Director and Education Deputy. At the family's discretion, a member of Billy Boatright's family may also participate in reviewing applicant essays.
Two recipients will be selected based on the published evaluation criteria and notified by email.
4. Receive Approval and Reimbursement
Selected recipients will receive notification that their proposed training or certification has been approved.
After receiving approval, recipients must purchase the approved program using their own funds and submit a payment receipt to grants@lvissa.org, along with any additional information required to process reimbursement.
Important: This is a reimbursement program. Applicants should not purchase training in anticipation of receiving an award. Selection serves as pre-approval for the proposed expense.
APPLICATION ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit a written essay of 250–400 words addressing all three of the following topics:
1. Your Educational Goals
Describe the specific certification, training course, or educational program you plan to pursue, how you will use the funds, and why you chose it.
2. Your Career Development
Explain how the program aligns with your current career or academic trajectory and how it may contribute to your professional growth.
3. Why You Should Be Selected
Share why you believe you deserve the award and how receiving it would support your goals.
Essays exceeding 400 words may be trimmed or disqualified at the reviewers' discretion.
Applications missing required information will not be considered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to pass my certification exam to get reimbursed?
No. Reimbursement depends on proof of payment for an approved expense, not on passing an exam or completing a certification.
Can I apply for a program that costs more than $750?
Yes. If your approved training costs more than $750, you will be reimbursed up to the $750 maximum. You are responsible for the remaining cost.
What if my training costs less than $750?
You will be reimbursed for the actual approved expense. For example, if your certification costs $524, you may be reimbursed $524. The remaining $226 cannot be used for another purchase.
Can my employer also reimburse me?
No. Expenses reimbursed by an employer or another organization cannot also be reimbursed through this award. Duplicate reimbursement will result in disqualification.
Do I receive the funds before paying for training?
No. This is a reimbursement-only program. Selected recipients must pay for their approved training first and submit a receipt.
Who reviews applications?
The ISSA Las Vegas Education Director and Education Deputy review and score applications. A member of Billy Boatright's family may also review essays at the family's discretion.
What happens if I don't submit my receipt?
The Education Director will follow up if a recipient does not submit a receipt within 30 days of the award notification. If no receipt is submitted, the award will be forfeited and offered to a runner-up applicant.
Can I submit a general application without selecting a specific program?
No. Applications must identify the specific certification, training course, or educational program, including the provider and estimated cost.
Can I receive more than one award?
No. Awards are limited to one per member.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Have questions about eligibility, the application process, or whether a particular training program may qualify?
Contact us at grants@lvissa.org.