Projects
CNF = Community in Focus
CNF cares about our community and that’s why we’re dedicated to giving back. From scholarships and internships to outreach programs and community events, we’re committed to cultivating the next generation of cyber leaders. See how CNF gives our heart, time, and talent for a better future.
Our 12-week paid program pairs interns with a mentor, several in some cases, and immerses the pair in real-life projects most students, and even professors, are rarely exposed to. Led by CNF’s Internship Coordinator Liz Vasquez, along with senior level directors and managers, interns are given the chance to enhance their skills while putting their book knowledge to the test in this elevated course offering firsthand experience in today’s cyber world.
While the primary learning component is integration into operational workforce, a window into the world of DevOps, the program also has a very personal focus. CNF shows each intern it’s signature people-first culture with an energetic welcoming orientation, sponsored ambassador lunches where they are able to meet and hear from different members of our team, company socials, and celebrations of individual achievements.
Although CNF is happy to provide a dynamic internship experience for students, what CNF is most proud of is the ability to host underrepresented groups within the technology industry. CNF is honored to provide new perspectives and enhanced skillsets to students from both local community colleges and nationally ranked universities. If you’re looking for a one-of a kind internship opportunity that is sure to make your resume stand out, look no further than CNF. Contact Liz Vasquez for more details.
In 2015, CNF Technologies partnered with The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to establish the CNF Cybersecurity Scholarship and competitive internship opportunity. Three years later, in 2018, the partners teamed up with National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC) to advance research, education, and workforce development in the cyber forefront. To date, $200,000 has been awarded to scholarship recipients and many interns have gained real-world, hands-on cyber experience at multiple CNF locations.
Despite San Antonio’s myriad of higher education institutions, the demand for qualified cybersecurity candidates exceeds the city’s current supply. Oftentimes, candidates do not possess either the appropriate security clearance, years of experience, or certifications necessary to gain employment. The CNF scholarship and internship opportunity helps alleviate these obstacles by providing practical experience necessary to become familiar and confident with the day-to-day aspects of cybersecurity. In addition, qualified interns supporting customer operations are granted a coveted sponsorship to a federal security clearance further preparing them for a career in the defense industry.
The CNF Cybersecurity Scholarship successfully creates a direct bridge from our company to new and untapped talent and is a vital resource for UTSA students looking to gain full-time employment. Many of CNF’s top performers are UTSA alumni.
UTSA’s Cybersecurity program is ranked #1 across the nation and supports over 3,500 graduate and undergraduate students pursuing science and engineering degrees. The renowned program contributes to San Antonio’s growing reputation as being a “hub for all things cyber.”
Fred and Roxanne Ramirez, founder and owners of CNF Technologies, have always been generous community donors, but in 2023 they extended their contributions beyond San Antonio, Texas and back to their roots and alma mater.
The idea of creating this scholarship fund came after Fred was inducted into the 2021-2022 Javelina Engineering Hall of Fame. Each year Texas A&M University-Kingsville recognizes graduates of the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering who have made a significant impact in the field of engineering. The Javelina Engineering Hall of Fame designation was presented to Fred for demonstrating a longtime and successful commitment to his career and community bringing special honor to the College of Engineering because of his accomplishments.
Each year, a first-generation college student will be awarded the $10,000 scholarship. The Ramirez family is committed to giving back to a school that gave them their start. Their hopes are to pay it forward for another Javelina with financial support, mentorship, and hopefully a future career.
Cyber Patriots
CNF is an active community presence that regularly contributes to the cyber education and mentorship of local youth participating in the CyberPatriot program. This program arms students with the technical knowledge and skills to compete in the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition.
Through CyberPatriot, CNF has advanced the cyber learning outcomes of numerous high school students. As a direct result, many of these students have been inspired to further their education in cybersecurity or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Created by the Air Force Association with the goal of inspiring K-12 students toward careers in cyber defense, CyberPatriot tasks teams with assessing and repairing cybersecurity vulnerabilities as well as maintaining critical applications. At competitions, students are placed in roles similar to Information Technology professionals and must successfully manage a small, simulated network while competing against other schools. National recognition along with scholarship money is up for grabs as teams make it through a series of online competition rounds. Cyber camps, literature series, and other educational materials are additional components of CyberPatriot that students enjoy.
Hackathon
CNF is a proud sponsor of RowdyHacks, a 24-hour hackathon located at The University of Texas San Antonio that challenges students to build apps, games, and other neat projects within the allotted time frame.
CNF also sponsors multiple cyber capture-the-flag style events throughout San Antonio that encourage students to think critically and problem solve in a team-oriented environment. At RowdyHacks, teams of up to four are tasked with developing a cyber project through to completion. If necessary, mentors are on staff to help participants maneuver through difficult technical stages. RowdyHacks is open to any college or university student over 18 years old. All academic backgrounds and programming styles are welcome to compete.
Because of CNF’s sponsorship, there is no cost for students to participate in RowdyHacks. Food, t-shirts, snacks, and prizes are also complementary.
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