Cyber Service Academy Scholarship

Funder: U.S. Department of Defense, created through Senator Gillibrand's work on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Partnered with eligible institutions including Mohawk Valley Community College and Griffiss Institute

• Full tuition cost
• Select books and fees
• Monthly stipend
• Laptop purchase
• Additional support as determined

Geographic Scope: 19 New York institutions designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (including Mohawk Valley Community College)

Focus Areas:

• Cybersecurity
• Cyber operations
• Digital and multimedia forensics
• Computer crime investigations
• Related cybersecurity disciplines

Eligibility:

• Students enrolled at designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity
• Willing to commit to service obligation after degree completion

Service Commitment:

• Starts after awarding of degree
• Length equals the length of scholarship period (e.g., 1 year scholarship = 1 year service)
• Service in Department of Defense roles throughout DoD

Background:
Created to address critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the public sector. As of 2022, nearly 40,000 unfilled public-sector cybersecurity positions existed. Federal workforce aging significantly—only 7% of federal employees in computer science, computer engineering, and IT positions are under 30.

Designated Institutions in NY:
19 colleges and universities (Mohawk Valley Community College is one eligible institution)

Contact Information:

• Application portal: www.gillibrand.senate.gov/cyberacademy
• Griffiss Institute: (315) 838-1696
• Address: 592 Hangar Rd STE 200, Rome, NY 13441-4506

Application Process

1. Visit www.gillibrand.senate.gov/cyberacademy
2. Click on the DoD Cyber Scholarship Program link
3. Complete the application form as directed
4. Submit by deadline (open enrollment begins November 1)
5. Application reviewed by DoD
6. Successful applicants notified of award

Important Notes:

Required Information: