*Not currently accepting new students*
Scholarship For Service (SFS) is a unique program designed to recruit and train the next generation of information technology professionals, industrial control system security professionals and security managers to meet the needs of the cybersecurity mission for Federal, State, local and tribal governments. This program provides scholarships for up to 2 years of support for cybersecurity undergraduate education. The scholarships are funded through grants awarded by the National Science Foundation. In return for their scholarships, recipients must agree to work after graduation for the U.S. Government, in a position related to cybersecurity, for a period equal to the length of the scholarship.
The Citadel’s SFS cohorts feature students from Computer Science, Intelligence and Security Studies, and Criminal Justice. When combined with the Minor in Cybersecurity, these academic paths lead to jobs in a variety of Federal agencies.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition scholarship for junior and senior years
- Annual stipend (for living expenses): $27,000 per year
- Professional allowance of up to $6,000 per academic year for SFS Job Fair and other travel, books, professional certifications, etc.
- Special mentorship and cohort-related extracurricular activities to acquaint the student with cyber opportunities and make them more competitive for post-graduation jobs
Eligibility
- Currently a sophomore with two years remaining until graduation
- Major in Computer Science, Cyber Operations, Intelligence and Security Studies, or Criminal Justice
- Minor in Cybersecurity (prerequisite courses may be required)
- Cannot have an accepted ROTC contract or military obligations after graduation
- Citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Minimum GPA of 3.25
Program Participation Requirements
- Work in an executive government agency post-graduation for the number of years of the scholarship award. A list of the Federal Executive Agencies is located here under Executive Branch Agencies, Commissions, and Committees.
- Complete one summer internship for at least 10 weeks, typically paid, with a government organization (Federal, State, Local, or Tribal) during the scholarship period.
- Participate in the annual CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service Job Fair, where SFS recipients meet government recruiters.
- Participate in research and professional-development events and activities, for example, research project, career preparation activities or seminars.
Applicant Preferences
- Have a strong interest in working for an executive government organization.
- Hold security clearance or capability of obtaining security clearance.
- Actively involved in cybersecurity student organizations, competitions, research or other activities.
Selection Process
The selection process will include an essay prepared by the student, an interview, and an assessment of the student’s performance to date and financial need. If you are interested in being considered and learning more, please contact Dr. Shankar Banik in person or at baniks1@citadel.edu.