CySP

The DoD Cyber Scholarship Program promotes the education, recruitment, and retention of students in cybersecurity studies. The DoD CySP sponsors students who currently are not DoD or government employees who are enrolled in or applying to universities designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C), such as Fordham University. Following graduation, students are eligible for full-time employment with various components and agencies across the DoD. Students are required to work for the DoD a minimum of one year for each year of scholarship support they receive.

CySP @ Fordham

We recommend our students take the time to apply for this scholarship opportunity. The application is free and there is no commitment required when applying. Additionally, the hardest job for young cybersecurity professionals to acquire is their first. If selected for the scholarship, employment with a respected government agency is provided upon graduation.

•  Students selected for the program will receive full scholarships.
•  Students selected as DoD CySP Scholars will receive the full cost of tuition, books (from the institution/degree specific required book list), required fees (including institutionally provided health care), a one-time laptop/computer purchase, travel support to attend a cyber-related conference, and a stipend to cover room and board.

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern

Click Here to Begin Your Application

Interest Sessions

Interest sessions will be available in the coming weeks for students who are interested in persuing the CySP scholarship opportunity. These sessions will be hosted over Zoom and will provide an overview of the CySP, as well as, provide students with an additional opportunity to ask questions regarding this opportunity.

Requirements for Application

  • The DoD CySP Student Application must be completed, certified, and submitted online through the DoD Cyber Scholarship Program.

    The following items will be included in the application:

    • Official (certified) Transcripts from all the institutions of higher learning you have attended. Electronic transcripts may be accepted as long as they are certified by the institution.
    • Current resume (template provided with the application).
    • List of Recognitions, Honors, and Awards.
    • One (1) Letter of Reference from a current faculty member who is fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability. Letters must be on University letterhead and contain the full name and contact information of the faculty member (phone, email, and address).
    •  One (1) additional Letter of Reference from either a current or former faculty member, or a current or former supervisor who is fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability. Letters must be on official letterhead and contain the full name and contact information of the faculty member or current/former supervisor (phone, email, and address).

    Additionally, a Supplemental Competency Statement: Knowledge, Skills and Attributes will be required. You will provide narrative responses that describe the level of your attainment of the knowledge and ability factors indicated below.

    • Knowledge of the techniques of the cybersecurity discipline, including encryption, access control, physical security, training, threat analysis, and authentication.
    • Knowledge of the human factors in cybersecurity, including human computer interaction, design, training, sabotage, human error prevention and identification, personal use policies, and monitoring.
    • Ability to identify and analyze problems, distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions, and provide solutions to individual and organizational problems.
    • Ability to consider and respond appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; is tactful, compassionate and sensitive, and treats others with respect.
    • Ability to make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere of open communication.
    • Ability to express facts and ideas in writing in clear, convincing and organized manners appropriate to the audience and occasion.

    Finally, Acknowledgement of the Supplemental Statement of General Academic and Employment Conditions (OF612) will need to be completed. If you agree with the all of the academic and employment conditions required for your receipt of scholarship assistance and appointment under the DoD CySP, and wish to be considered for it, you must review and acknowledge the OF612 Supplemental Statement of General Academic and Employment Conditions, which is referenced multiple times in the application.

    • 18 years of age or older
    • a citizen of the United States at the time of application to the DoD Cyber Scholarship program.(note, if family members are not U.S. Citizens, some DoD Agencies may be unable to process the applicant (student) to the security clearance level required. Every effort will be made to assign eligible students at an Agency without such restrictions.)
    • enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) at Fordham University, or enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) at an institution selected by Fordham as a collaborative partner.
  • Ability to achieve security clearance is required to be selected for the CySP. For more information regarding security clearances and your ability to achieve them please see the links below:

Questions

If you have any questions regarding the CySP at Fordham or your application please email [email protected]

Additional information regarding the DoD CySP can be found on their Main Website.