Tolbert plans to major in cybersecurity this fall, aiming for a professional future in penetration testing. His path into the field has already begun with practical experience, including an internship focused on phishing prevention and the successful attainment of CompTIA Tech+ and A+ certifications. Beyond the financial award, Tolbert will receive mentorship from Optiv professionals throughout his freshman year.

The scholarship is managed by the Black Employee Network, an internal group at the Denver-based cybersecurity firm dedicated to fostering inclusive representation within the industry. Chanel Cantey, co-chair of the network, noted that Tolbert’s technical curiosity and hands-on work with social engineering awareness made him a standout candidate. The program targets Black and African American students pursuing STEM degrees, directly addressing the broader talent shortage by investing in emerging leaders.