Scholarship for Service

Pace University has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to support undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying information assurance and cybersecurity.

This scholarship opportunity is funded through a pending National Science Foundation grant, and is subject to grant funding availability. However, Pace CyberCorps will accept new CyberCorps applications for AY 2021-2022 pending availability of funds. CyberCorps applications are due May 15, 2021. The program director will share updates on funding availability with the applicants when information becomes available.

About the Program

CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) is a unique program designed to increase and strengthen the cadre of information assurance professionals that protect the government’s critical information infrastructure.

Pace CyberCorps® scholars will complete either a bachelor’s degree in computing, a master’s degree in computing, or a PhD in Computer Science, and receive support for two or three years, depending on their pathway.

Eligibility

  • United States citizen or permanent resident
  • Currently enrolled in, or applied for admission/transfer to, a program at Pace University
  • Pursue or intend to pursue a course of study in cybersecurity as approved by the program director
  • Be within two or three years of graduation
  • Have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and/or a 3.5 graduate GPA
  • Meet selection criteria for federal employment, including obtaining a security clearance

Benefits

  • Full tuition and academic fees for up to three years
  • Annual stipend of $22,500 for undergraduate students/$34,000 for graduate students
  • Annual textbook allowance of $2,000
  • Annual health insurance and professional development allowances.
  • Paid summer internship at a local/state/federal agency between the scholar's first and second year in the program*
  • Full-time employment at a local/state/federal government agency*

* The Pace CyberCorps® Scholars are responsible to apply for and obtain a position. The Pace CyberCorps® Program will provide assistance with identifying employment opportunities.

Obligations

  • Be a full-time student
  • Maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA (undergraduate)/3.75 GPA (graduate)
  • Participate in all Pace CyberCorps® program activities
  • Complete the degree/program requirements successfully**
  • Participate in a summer internship with a local/state/federal agency***
  • Work for a local/state/federal agency in qualifying positions, upon completing academic degree requirements. Length of service depends on length of scholarship support—one year of service for one year of support.***

** Although there will be flexibility in meeting individual student interests and goals, there will be a list of required courses a student must take. Contact the program director to discuss your individual requirements.

*** List of Federal Agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers

Selection

Pace CyberCorps® scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. The scholarships are effective for two to three years starting with the fall semester. Scholarship recipients are selected based on:

  • Academic performance
  • Resume key items
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Essay outlining the applicant's objectives as it relates to cybersecurity and a career in the government
  • Ability to obtain security clearance
  • Interview

Application Process and Timeline

The following documents are required to apply:

  • Transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended
  • Resume highlighting key skills, work experience, honors/awards, GPA
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation from faculty or employers
  • Statement of purpose describing professional, personal, academic goals, commitment to SFS program, and how the program will help achieve these goals.
  • Service Agreement – download here, read and sign

Submit all application documents to cyberscholarship@pace.edu.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2021

This scholarship opportunity is funded through a pending National Science Foundation grant, and is subject to grant funding availability. However, Pace CyberCorps will accept new CyberCorps applications for AY 2021-2022 pending availability of funds. The program director will share updates on funding availability with the applicants when information becomes available.

Contact

Please direct all cybersecurity scholarship-related inquiries, including for application advisement to cyberscholarship@pace.edu.