Bridging Barriers, Building Futures
Dr. Al Leaston, Ed.D.,
Assistant Dean - Business, Entrepreneurship and IT, Durham Technical Community College
Participating in The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship has been a truly transformational experience for me, as it has enabled me to directly contribute to the success of Durham Tech Community College students. The opportunity to provide access to much-needed funds that help students achieve their educational goals has been both humbling and fulfilling. This scholarship has not only opened doors for students but has allowed me to be part of something much larger — helping to create pathways to success in cybersecurity and other critical IT fields.
As we know, in order for students to thrive, it is vital to take care of their most basic needs, as outlined in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The scholarship funds have played a crucial role in ensuring that some of our students' physiological needs, such as shelter, clothing, and food, are met. With these foundational needs addressed, students can fully focus on their studies and excel without the added stress of financial strain.
Throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, over $35,000 in scholarship funds were distributed to our students, and the gratitude and appreciation they displayed were truly overwhelming. The scholarship has made a real, tangible difference in their lives, providing them with the financial support to continue their education and work toward a brighter future. It has been incredibly rewarding to see students who, without this help, might have struggled to continue their academic journeys now full of hope and determination.
Additionally, the scholarship's impact extended beyond individual students to the entire college community. As a direct consequence of the increased financial support, student enrollment in the IT pathway at Durham Tech saw a noticeable increase. The availability of these funds helped attract new students who were previously unable to enroll due to financial constraints. The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship has proven to be not just a financial support program but a catalyst for growth and opportunity within our institution.
About the Author
Dr. Al Leaston is a servant leader and college dean with over 15 years of practical experience in the IT industry, having worked as a network engineer/IT consultant at Fortune 500 companies such as Cisco Systems, IBM, and GSK. He is also a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., initiated into the Kappa Lambda chapter at North Carolina State University; he strongly advocates for helping IT students break into the industry. Dr. Leaston bridges the gap between academia and industry, mentoring students and fostering partnerships that drive student success and scholarly attainments. His strategic vision and innovative approach continue to transform educational experiences and career pathways for students. He is often inspired by Howard Thurman's words, "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive". -serving others and helping them obtain their goals makes him come alive.
"But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?"