The Computer Science Department and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Binghamton University has received a five-year, $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation's CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program to recruit and train talented students for entry into the government workforce and for long-term success in cybersecurity careers.
Each SFS scholar will be funded for two to three years. Upon graduation, the scholar will work in a cybersecurity-related position in a government organization, a national lab or an SFS institute for a period equal to the length of the scholarship.
Each scholar will have a faculty advisor who will mentor the scholar and involve the scholar in a cybersecurity-related project through independent studies, MS project/thesis or PhD dissertation research. Each scholar will undergo a rigorous curriculum, research and practical training through cybersecurity courses, personalized academic and research advising, cybersecurity conferences/seminars, Capture The Flag club and cybersecurity competitions, and outreach activities. In addition, scholars will be trained in critical skills needed to succeed in their careers, including ethics, communication, writing, presentation, critical thinking and teamwork.
The SFS principal investigators (PI) and co-PIs will assist scholars in internship and job placement. OPM will also host two job fairs for SFS scholars each year.
What is covered
- Tuition and fees
- $27,000 stipend per academic year for undergraduate students and $37,000 stipend per year for graduate students.
- Up to $6,000 per year for SFS job fairs (organized by OPM), conferences, cybersecurity bootcamps, a laptop, books, professional cybersecurity training and certifications, etc.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- Meeting one of the following criteria:
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- A doctoral student specializing in cybersecurity
- A full-time 4+1 or MS student enrolled in the Graduate Cybersecurity Track (CS), Information Assurance Area of Specialization (ECE), or pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity (CS and ECE)
- A full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the Undergraduate Cybersecurity Track (CS)
- Ability to obtain a U.S. high level security clearance, if needed
- A minimum of a 3.0 GPA (4+1 student) or 3.3 GPA (graduate student)
Service commitment
- Upon graduation, work for a government agency (U.S. federal, state, local or tribal), a national laboratory,or an SFS institute in a position related to cybersecurity for a period of time equal to the period of funding.
- Seek and take an internship each summer with a government agency (US federal, state, local or tribal) during the scholarship period.
How to apply
To apply, please email the following documents to Joseph Verardo and Professor Ping Yang:
- An application form
- A resumé
- A copy of college transcript(s)
- A short essay describing your career objectives, and your interest in a cybersecurity career in the public sector
Fall 2024 scholarship application deadline
- Priority deadline: March 15, 2024
- Final deadline: May 15, 2024
Applicants who are not currently enrolled at Binghamton University should also meet the University application deadlines and submit additional materials required for the university-level admission process. Applicants are selected based on scholastic merit and aptitude for cybersecurity. If selected for the scholarship, the student will need to sign a service agreement with OPM.
Other information
- CyberCorps website: www.sfs.opm.gov
- SFS FAQs: www.sfs.opm.gov/StudFAQ.aspx
To learn more
If you have any questions regarding Binghamton University's SFS program, please contact Professor Ping Yang at pyang@binghamton.edu.
