One new student is a Coast Guard veteran, another is an event manager and yet another is re-entering the workforce after raising children. Now they鈥檙e all part of the first cohort for the Community College Cyber Pilot Program: Scholarship for Service at 91成人导航, a group of eight who will earn a degree and government job in the booming field of cybersecurity.
The program, which only accepts veterans or students with a bachelor鈥檚 degree, helps those who want a career transition. The scholarship includes full tuition for up to two years, an annual stipend of $22,500, textbooks and professional development allowances.
Scholarship recipients enroll in a cybersecurity-related program at 91成人导航, such as Information Assurance and Cybersecurity or Computer Science programs. Students receive help with a paid summer internship and prospective full-time employment at a local, state or federal government agency.
This is the first year 91成人导航 has participated in the National Science Foundation (NSF) scholarship, a unique opportunity aimed at increasing and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce that protects the government鈥檚 critical information infrastructure. 鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited about the opportunity this will bring students now and hopefully in the future,鈥� said Mary Wallingsford, chair of Cybersecurity, Networking and Digital Forensics at 91成人导航.
The students in the pilot program will be at 91成人导航 for two years. The NSF is waiting for the pilot to finish and be evaluated before possibly offering the program again.
91成人导航 received multiple inquiries for the coveted spots. Students who were accepted participated in a 鈥渂ootcamp鈥� in July, where they signed an agreement and were confirmed into the program. 鈥淥urs is the largest cohort from the five participating schools,鈥� said Carrie Leary, a professor in the school of Science, Technology and Education. 鈥淓ach of them are extremely passionate about federal service and want to do their part to protect our nation鈥檚 critical infrastructure. 鈥e are very proud of our students and excited to get started.鈥�
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