HID and the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD) announce that the company has underwritten 1,000 scholarships for the Foundations of School Security Leadership Certificate course.
Through this initiative, which will continue throughout 2026, HID is “reducing financial barriers that may limit access to essential training to help professionals learn how to protect schools against an emerging threat landscape while still maintaining an open and nurturing environment,” according to the company announcement. The program will also provide the recipients with a one-year NCSSD membership to further support their 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 HID. “Our team is dedicated to helping educate those responsible for safeguarding our schools, and this program represents a meaningful step forward in driving practical solutions and measurable results in K-12 safety.”
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Created by leading school security professionals within NCSSD, the Foundations Certificate is a nine-part, self-paced online course built around the Path to Safer Schools framework. It equips participants with a holistic understanding and practical application of school safety and security—covering prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
This course is “designed for every person directly or indirectly responsible for safety and security in both public and private schools—including directors, administrators, coordinators, specialists and staff,” according to the company announcement.
“School administrators know how to run schools but they are not security experts,” says Jason Stoddard, board president of NCSSD, in the announcement. “They must rely on trained security professionals who are prepared to address any safety challenges that arise on K-12 campuses.
“School administrators know how to run schools, but they are not security experts,” said Jason Stoddard, Board President, NCSSD. “They must rely on trained security professionals who are prepared to address any safety challenges that arise on K–12 campuses. The scholarships funded by HID will help ensure that school security coordinators and leaders receive the comprehensive training they need to respond to unexpected events in real time, meet emerging challenges, and manage their aftermath effectively.”
To learn more and apply for a scholarship, visit https://hid.link/3Qz.
More About the National Council of School Safety Directors
The National Council of School Safety Directors is the first organization dedicated to representing, educating, and building a national certification and continuing education program for school safety directors. It was founded in April 2024 by a group of school security professionals with extensive backgrounds in education, law enforcement, school administration, and emergency management.
The organization offers the following:
- Standardization and Certification: Currently, there is no central place for current or aspiring school safety directors to find leading practices within the field. This includes understanding the necessary soft skills for effectiveness in the K-12 environment and having access to a comprehensive repository of standards, best practices, ideas, and emerging technologies. By establishing a certificate and certification program, the NCSSD is ensuring that all school safety directors possess foundational knowledge and skills.
- Comprehensive Training Programs: The NCSSD’s educational initiatives are designed to provide comprehensive training that goes beyond basic safety measures. Their curriculum includes modules on emergency preparedness, crisis response, physical security assessment, behavioral threat assessment, IDEA, and more.
- Continuing Education: In addition to initial certification, the NCSSD places a strong emphasis on continuing education. Through ongoing professional development opportunities, school safety directors will be able to stay abreast of the latest trends and techniques, ensuring that their skills remain sharp and their knowledge current.
- Building a Community of Practice: By fostering a community of practice, the NCSSD enables school safety directors to share insights, experiences, and best practices. In times of crisis, having access to a supportive network can make a crucial difference, providing directors with the resources and advice they need to navigate complex situations.
- Advocacy and Representation: Beyond education and certification, the NCSSD also serves as a powerful advocate for school safety directors. By representing their interests at the national level, the NCSSD ensures the voices of these professionals are heard in policy discussions and legislative processes. By highlighting the importance of the school safety director’s role, the NCSSD helps to elevate the profession, attracting dedicated individuals to this critical field.
Learn more at https://www.zeronow.org/ncssd.
