By D. Thompson
Students at Bowie State University now have the opportunity to participate in a new program designed to increase the number and diversity of individuals entering the government cybersecurity workforce by offering two-year scholarships for those majoring in cybersecurity under a $2.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
NSF’s Scholarships for Service (SFS) program is providing more than $29 million in new funding this year to nine universities to support developing students for cybersecurity positions with the Department of Homeland Security, FBI and other federal agencies. Bowie State is the only HBCU that received a grant this year to participate in the program
The Bulldog Cyber Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program at Bowie State will recruit, educate, mentor and train three BSU Computer Science majors and two transfers from community colleges each year over five years. In addition, the undergraduate students will be engaged in research while enhancing their technical skills in critical information infrastructure protection.
Specifically, program objectives include recruiting 20 highly talented students to the program and working closely with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to guarantee students are placed in government cybersecurity positions, with at least 70 percent of the scholarship awardees securing job placements in the executive branch of the Federal government.
“This is a phenomenal program that will provide BSU students with scholarships and a stipend while they’re enrolled in the program to learn cybersecurity,” said Dr. Rosemary Shumba, chair of the computer science department a Bowie State. “What’s really great about this program is that community college students beginning their junior year at BSU can also apply for the scholarship.”
Each year scholarship recipients will have all in-state and out-of-state tuition fees covered, receive a $25,000 stipend and $6,000 to attend conferences and other professional development activities.
During the scholarship period, students must participate in summer internships, conferences, workshops, and seminars aimed at developing a community of practice that will enhance students’ individual and collective skills. Each scholarship recipient under the program enters into an agreement that requires the student to work for a period equal to the duration of the scholarship after graduating from Bowie State.
“Students in the SFS program will be required to earn a Security + certification through the state-sponsored Cyber Warrior Diversity CompTIA security certification program, which will prepare the scholars for executive placement,” said Dr. Shumba. “Our bottom line is preparing students for long-term career success and producing professionals who can contribute to the defense of our nation.”
To be eligible for consideration for an SFS scholarship, an undergraduate student must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States; demonstrate a commitment to a career in cybersecurity; have a demonstrated high level of competency in relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities; and be a full-time student in a program that is focused on cybersecurity. Students must have junior standing in a bachelor’s degree program.
