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.

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 years of graduation with a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree, or within three years of graduation with a combined bachelor’s/master’s, or PhD degree
  • 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: April 15, 2022

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 2022-2023 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.