Initiative Demonstrates HID’s Commitment to Enabling Safer, Smarter Schools
HID is supporting safer, smarter K–12 environments by funding 1,000 scholarships for the Foundations of School Security Leadership Certificate course through a national initiative with the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD).
The initiative, which runs throughout 2026, is designed to remove financial barriers to critical security training while helping schools respond to an increasingly complex threat landscape—without compromising an open and nurturing learning environment. Scholarship recipients also receive a one-year NCSSD membership to support continued professional development.
“HID is proud to partner with NCSSD in advancing school safety, a critical discipline dedicated to protecting students, teachers and staff,” said Mike Garcia, K-12 Evangelist at HID.
“This program represents a meaningful step forward in driving practical solutions and measurable results in K–12 safety.”
Building Stronger School Security Leadership
Developed by experienced school security professionals within NCSSD, the Foundations of School Security Leadership Certificate is a nine-part, self-paced online course based on the Path to Safer Schools framework. The curriculum provides a comprehensive view of school safety, covering prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
The course is intended for professionals directly or indirectly responsible for school security, including directors, administrators, coordinators, specialists, and support staff across both public and private K–12 institutions.
“School administrators are experts in education, not security,” said Jason Stoddard, Board President of NCSSD.
“They rely on trained safety professionals to manage evolving risks. These scholarships ensure school security leaders receive the training they need to respond effectively to real-world incidents and their aftermath.”
Enrollment Now Open
Enrollment for the Foundations of School Security Leadership Certificate is currently open, with scholarships available on a rolling basis.

HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places, and things, enabling secure access to physical and digital environments. An ASSA ABLOY Group brand, HID works with governments, educational institutions, hospitals, enterprises, and organizations worldwide to deliver trusted identity and access solutions.

The National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD) is a professional association dedicated to advancing the school safety profession through advocacy, education, and collaboration. NCSSD provides training, certification, and a national community for school safety leaders committed to protecting students, staff, and learning environments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the HID school safety scholarship initiative?
It is a national initiative in which HID has funded 1,000 scholarships for school safety professionals to complete the Foundations of School Security Leadership Certificate course.
2. Who is eligible for the school safety scholarships?
The scholarships are available to K–12 professionals responsible for school safety and security, including administrators, safety directors, coordinators, and support staff.
3. What does the Foundations of School Security Leadership Certificate include?
The program is a nine-part, self-paced online course covering prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery using the Path to Safer Schools framework.
4. Does the scholarship include NCSSD membership?
Yes. Scholarship recipients receive a one-year membership with the National Council of School Safety Directors.
5. How long will the scholarship initiative run?
The HID-funded scholarship program will continue throughout 2026.
