Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarships

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is offering scholarships in cybersecurity. The purpose of the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program is to support students who are pursuing an education in programs specifically designed for careers in cybersecurity defense. Students who receive the scholarships -- up to $20,000 a year for two years -- must commit to work for the Commonwealth of Virginia for one year for each year they receive a scholarship.

Application Process

The application period for the coming award year will be posted on the SCHEV website and on the applications. Applicants are to submit a completed Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Application and Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Promissory Note, as well as provide verification from their institutions that they meet the criteria for student eligibility.

Approved applications will be prioritized based on enrollment level (graduate, baccalaureate, associate) and then by the date the application is received. Once institutions verify the approved applicants' enrollment status at the end of the term's add/drop period, funds are applied to student accounts; any excess funds then may be disbursed to students.

Eligibility

To be eligible, students must be domiciled in Virginia OR eligible for a military-related exception for in-state tuition; enroll full-time in an eligible program at an eligible institution; be within two years of graduation from an undergraduate program or graduate program; have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; and not have received, or plan to receive, a federal CyberCorps Scholarship for Service.

Awards

A $20,000 annual award will be divided into two $10,000 awards, one for each of the fall and spring terms. Fall-only awards of $10,000 will be considered if a student is scheduled to graduate by December. 

Post-enrollment Responsibiity

Award recipients commit to work in Virginia in the cybersecurity field with a Virginia government agency for one year for each year a scholarship is received. If a recipient fails to fulfill the work agreement, the obligation will be converted to a loan. More details are provided in the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Promissory Note. 

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