Apply | MSAII Cyber Innovation Accelerator

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Step 1 of 5

Your Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Cell Phone *

City, State *

Your Affiliation *

Minnesota Institution *

LinkedIn Profile URL

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Step 2 of 5

Background & Goals

Which area of the program interests you most? *

Why are you applying for this program? What specific outcome are you looking for? *

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Step 3 of 5

Commitment & Readiness

These questions help us understand whether you are ready for the commitment this program requires.

Tell us about a time you received feedback from an instructor, mentor, or employer that required you to adjust your approach. What did you do? *

Imagine you've sent 20 outreach emails and received zero responses. What do you do next? *

When you're stuck on something and don't know the answer, what's your first move? *

Have you ever submitted work, launched something, or taken action — such as turning in an assignment, proposing an idea, publishing a project, or starting an initiative — before you felt completely ready? Describe what happened and what you learned. *

How do you hold yourself accountable to goals when no one is checking on you? *

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Step 4 of 5

Letters of Recommendation

Provide contact information and upload a letter of recommendation (PDF) for each of your two recommenders. Recommenders should be professors, teachers, employers, or supervisors who can speak to your readiness for this program.

Recommender 1

Upload Letter of Recommendation (PDF only) *

Full Name *

Title / Role *

Cell Phone *

Email *

Mailing Address *

Recommender 2

Upload Letter of Recommendation (PDF only) *

Full Name *

Title / Role *

Cell Phone *

Email *

Mailing Address *

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Documents & Final Review

Upload your resume and competency statement, confirm your commitments, and submit your application.

Upload Resume (PDF only) *

Upload Competency Statement (1–2 pages, PDF only) *

Describe your relevant skills, experience, and why you are a strong candidate for this program. See guidance below.

What to Include in Your Competency Statement

Your competency statement (1–2 pages) should describe your background and demonstrate the traits that predict success in this program. Use your academic program as a frame — for example, Metro State's MS in Cyber Operations emphasizes advanced offense/defense strategy, malware analysis, intelligence gathering, and interdisciplinary policy work. Connect your experience to the work ahead.

Traits That Signal Readiness

Action Bias Over Analysis — You execute before feeling “ready.” You send imperfect emails, schedule calls despite impostor syndrome, and request feedback on real work rather than perfecting drafts indefinitely.
Coachability Without Ego — You follow proven systems, accept feedback without defensiveness, and implement changes rather than arguing why your way is better. You approach this program as a learner, not an expert.
Proactive Communication — You initiate contact, ask questions when stuck rather than disappearing, and submit work for review without being prompted.
Persistence Through Rejection — You continue through non-responses, treat “no” as data rather than failure, and maintain consistent effort even when results lag.
Speed of Execution — You build momentum. Students who complete training quickly dramatically outperform those who drag it out.
Transparency About Struggles — You attend coaching calls and openly discuss what isn't working so the team can troubleshoot and adjust in real time.

Anything else you want us to know?

I am excited to attend both in-person events in Minnesota — a Boot Camp in late May 2026 and the MSAII Innovation Collider in December 2026. I understand that attending both events is required for consideration. *

I can commit 10–15 hours per week to this program. I understand this level of dedication is required for program certification. *

Apply for Cohort 1

Your Information

Background & Goals

Commitment & Readiness

Letters of Recommendation

Recommender 1

Recommender 2

Documents & Final Review

Application Submitted