DoD Cyber Scholarship Program Student Applications

OMB CONTROL NUMBER: 0704-0486
OMB EXPIRATION DATE: XX/XX/XXXX
AGENCY DISCLOSURE NOTICE
The public reporting burden for this collection of information, 0704-0486, is estimated to average 2 hours per response for
Returning Applicants and 5 hours per response for New Applicants, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
Send comments regarding the burden estimate or burden reduction suggestions to the Department of Defense, Washington
Headquarters Services, at whs.mc-alex.esd.mbx.dd-dod-information-collections@mail.mil. Respondents should be aware that
notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of
information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number.
Department of Defense (DoD)
Cyber Scholarship Program

Application Background and Requirements
Recruitment / Basic Scholarships
ATTACHMENT C
Background ..................................................................................p.1
Description of Scholarship and Employment Opportunities ........................p.2
Minimum Eligibility for Scholarship and Appointment ..................................... p.3
General Information .....................................................................................p.6
Other Important Information ......................................................................p.8
Application Requirement .............................................................................p.8

1. BACKGROUND
Cybersecurity is considered so important to our national defense that a formal DoD CySP was
established by the National Defense Authorization Act for 2001 (Public Law 106- 398). The purpose is
to promote the education, recruitment, and retention of rising second-year NCAE-C community
college, junior and senior undergraduate, and graduate/doctoral students in cybersecurity studies. In
2018, the program was renamed the DoD Cyber Scholarship Program (DoD CySP).
The DoD is seeking rising second-year NCAE-C community college, junior and senior (third and
fourth year) undergraduate, and graduate/ doctoral students who are interested in full-ride scholarships
for concentrated studies in cybersecurity and other cyber-related disciplines. Students selected for the
program will receive full scholarships. This requires the student to agree to serve one year of service to
the DoD, upon graduation, for each year or partial year of scholarship received, in addition to the
internship identified below. An opportunity also exists for scholarship payback through military service.
Individuals choosing to enlist or accept a commission to serve on active duty in one of the Military
Services shall incur a service obligation of a minimum of 4 years on active duty in that Service upon
graduation. The Military Services may establish a service obligation longer than 4 years, depending on
the occupational specialty and type of enlistment or commissioning program selected. Traditional
Guardsmen and Reserve Soldiers are eligible to apply. Scholarship payback for this group is two years of
service for each year of scholarship received.
During breaks in their academic studies, DoD Cyber Scholars will receive progressive, hands-on

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experience in information security internships. In return, scholars must agree to some restrictions
and obligations regarding curriculum, GPA, and pre- and post- program employment. If all conditions
are met, DoD Cyber Scholars will receive full-time conditional/permanent positions in Components of
the DoD upon program completion.

HOW TO APPLY
Only students at designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (Cyber Defense
Education, Research, and Operations), hereinafter referred to as NCAE-Cs may apply. Review the list of
schools included with this announcement for clarification: https://www.caecommunity.org/cae-map

Note: Students selected must attend full-time.
Online programs are allowed
Review all application instructions and materials included with this announcement. Pay
close attention to the mandatory conditions of financial assistance and employment.
Students will be required to use the new DoD CySP online application tool
https://www.avuedigitalservices.com/casting/aiportal/control/mainmenu?agency=DDW&portal=CYSP to
apply. Student applications are due by 01 February 2023. Each NCAE-C that participates in the DoD CySP
has designated a campus liaison, point of contact, or Principal Investigator (PI), for CySP management and
administration. The website https://www.caecommunity.org/cae-map provides known points of contact
for the current NCAE-Cs. It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify the appropriate DoD CySP OnCampus point of contact.

2. DESCRIPTION OF SCHOLARSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Chapter 112 of title 10, United States Code authorizes the DoD CySP. The purposes of the program are to
recruit and retain well-qualified cyber personnel to cultivate continuing capacity for cyber workforce development at
select institutions of higher learning (NCAE-Cs) throughout the United States. As directed by the Secretary of
Defense, the DoD CIO has delegated authority and responsibility to establish scholarship and institutional grant
programs to achieve these purposes, including the authority to conduct civilian employee recruitment for these
purposes. This program is executed by the National Security Agency (NSA) on behalf of the DoD.
Rising community college, junior and senior undergraduates, master’s and doctoral candidates, who are U.S.
citizens and are at least 18 years of age are eligible for consideration for the program. Students in the second year of
a two-year degree program, who are continuing to a partner university to pursue a bachelor’s degree are eligible to
apply. Students selected as Cyber Scholars will receive the full cost of tuition, books (from the institution/degree
specific required book list, not books which are optional for the class), required fees (including health care), and a
stipend to cover room and board. The stipend levels are $22,000 for community college students, $27,000 for
undergraduate students and $32,000 for graduate (Master’s/PhD) students. Awards will be made via a grant to the
NCAE-C. Disabled students may receive additional allowances. There are no allowances for dependents.
Additional years of scholarship awards are dependent upon satisfactory academic progress, internship
performance, if applicable, and the availability of funds. Returning students will be given first priority over new
students to the program as long as they continue to meet the DoD CySP requirements and appropriate funding is
available. Scholarship recipients who successfully complete the terms of an initial one or two-year scholarship (for
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example, complete an undergraduate degree), may apply for a second scholarship of up to three years for
completing an advanced degree, if the sponsoring agency agrees. Funding amounts will be pro-rated for returning
Cyber scholars requesting less than a full year of support. When funding allows, students may be provided funding to
attend one cybersecurity-related conference - USA-based only. No foreign travel authorized.

3. APPOINTMENT AND HIRING AUTHORITIES
Chapter 112, title 10, United States Code anticipates that recipients of scholarships will participate in
experiential learning assignments (called "internships" in the law) at the DoD Components and Agencies while
completing their academic degree programs. There are a variety of hiring authorities across DoD and the
determination will be made by those Agencies in conjunction with the DoD CySP Program Office.
DoD Cyber Scholars will be appointed at those General Schedule grade levels for which they are qualified
and selected by DoD component officials. Since the Area of Consideration for scholarship applicants includes 2nd-year
community college, rising junior and senior year undergraduates, master’s and doctoral degree candidates, and
graduate/doctoral certificate program students, it is anticipated that applicants will (variously) meet minimum
qualification standards for Student Trainee appointments at GS-0099-5, GS-0099-7, GS-0099-9, and GS-0099-11. The
Military Departments and DoD Components that select and appoint students will decide at what grade levels
successful Cyber Scholars will be appointed in light of any applicable component-unique factors such as the target
occupations or full-performance position levels for the candidates. To obtain information on the general salary
schedule, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

4. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND APPOINTMENT
To be eligible for the CySP opportunity described in this announcement, applications must meet all of the
following minimum requirements:
a) Must be 18 years of age or older.
b) Must be a citizen of the United States at the time of application. Note, if family members are not U.S.
Citizens, some DoD Agencies may be unable to process the applicant (student) to the security clearance
level required. Every effort will be made to assign eligible students at an Agency without such
restrictions.
c) Must be enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in one of the identified NCAE-C colleges or universities, or
enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) at an institution selected by a NCAE-C as a collaborative partner
for these purposes.
d) Must have at least one academic year remaining:
o And completed (or by August 2023 will have completed) at a minimum:
 the first year of an associate’s degree; or
 first two years of an undergraduate degree program; or
 a bachelor’s degree; or
 a master’s degree
o And be eligible to:
 begin a second year of an associate’s degree (with continuation to a 4-year degree
program); or
 begin either the third or fourth year of an undergraduate degree program; or
 begin the first or second year of a Master's degree program; or
 pursue doctoral studies
e) Must be pursuing a course of study and/or have a declared major in one of the scientific, technical, or
managerial disciplines related to cyber or with a concentration in cybersecurity. For these purposes, the
scientific, technical and managerial disciplines related to computer and network security and
cybersecurity are:
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o

o

Cybersecurity encompasses the scientific, technical, and management disciplines required to
ensure computer and network security, including the following functions:
 System/network administration and operations
 Systems security engineering
 Information assurance systems and product acquisition
 Cryptography
 Threat and vulnerability assessment, to include risk management
 Web security
 Operations of computer emergency response teams
 Computer forensics
 Defensive information operations
 Critical information infrastructure assurance
Relevant cyber-related academic disciplines, with concentrations in cyber security, would
include, but are not limited to:

Biometrics
Business Management or Administration
Business Process Analysis
Computer Crime Investigations Computer
Engineering
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Computer Systems Analysis Cyber Operations
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Policy
Database Administration
Data Management

f)

Data Science
Digital and Multimedia Forensics Electrical
Engineering
Electronics Engineering
Information Security (Assurance)
Information Systems
Information Technology Acquisition
IT Program/Project Management
Mathematics
Network Management/Operations
Software Engineering
Systems Engineering

Ability to obtain a security clearance. See the web page information below, which provides more
information about fulfilling the necessary security requirements. Failure to be able to obtain a security
clearance is grounds for dismissal from the DoD CySP. Applicants/Scholars must be able to obtain the
required security clearance for the position selected. Applicants/Scholars may be required to undergo
certain tests, including drug and polygraph tests, to obtain and maintain a clearance. Before being
awarded a scholarship or hired by DoD, Applicants/Scholars may be required to complete certain forms
to initiate the security clearance process. Some of these forms will require that Applicants/Scholars
reveal extensive information about their background, such as potentially sensitive information about
financial circumstances and any arrests and/or convictions for offenses of any kind. Applicants/Scholars
must agree to all of these conditions of employment and must complete these forms as a condition of
financial assistance and appointment.
 Current web pages from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) are provided below.
These are provided for review and consideration in determining whether will be eligible for a
security clearance. They may not be all inclusive, however, it is highly recommended that
Applicants/Scholars review and understand the requirements prior to signing up to
participate in the DoD CySP. https://www.indigobyavue.com/dod-emergingtech/public/backgroundReadiness

5. ACADEMIC SUFFICIENCY
Applicants must be recommended by their school for the scholarship. The NCAE-C shall review the
application materials, and conduct such verification as may be necessary to establish the following standards of
academic sufficiency. NCAE-Cs shall exclude from further evaluation (and provide an endorsement of “Not
Recommended” for) any applicant unable to meet the following academic requirements:
The applicant is pursuing a course of study and/or has a declared major in one of the scientific, technical or
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managerial disciplines related to computer and network security that are enumerated under Section 4.E. above.
As a community college or undergraduate student, the applicant has a 3.2 out of a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) or,
as a graduate student, the applicant has a 3.5 GPA out of 4.0, or an analogous rank based on a comparable scale.
The applicant’s demonstrated potential for academic success and fulfillment of degree requirements is
substantial. NCAE-Cs shall review the factors enumerated below, and shall exclude from further evaluation and not
recommend any candidate unable to achieve a minimum score of 2 points on a 5-point scale. Scale values range
from:
 Insufficient Potential (One),
 Sufficient Potential (Two),
 Average Potential (Three),
 High Potential (Four), and
 Superior Potential (Five)
Factors to be considered in arriving at the rating for “demonstrated potential” are:
 The applicant’s original transcript(s) from all institutions of higher education attended
 The applicant’s current Grade Point Average (GPA)
 Academic honors, distinctions and awards
 Letters of reference

6. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY
The NCAE-C shall use the AVUE online tool to document its evaluation of each applicant meeting
administrative and academic sufficiency requirements. Students are required to write to the following competencies
(included in the online application). NCAE-Cs should use these competencies to evaluate the students.

Evaluations of the following factors shall be based on the supplemental application material
provided by the candidates, letters of reference, and any additional information provided by the
applicant in response to NCAE-C requests made for this purpose.







Knowledge of the techniques of the information technology and/or information security (assurance)
discipline, including encryption, access control, physical security, training, threat analysis, and
authentication.
Knowledge of the human factors in the information technology and/or information security
(assurance), including human computer interaction, design, training, sabotage, human error
prevention and identification, personal use policies, and monitoring.
Ability to identify and analyze problems, distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information to
make logical decisions, and provide solutions to individual and organizational problems.
Ability to consider and respond appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different
people in different situations; is tactful, compassionate and sensitive, and treats others with respect.
Ability to make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively
and clarifies information as needed, facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere
of open communication.
Ability to express facts and ideas in writing in a clear, convincing and organized manner appropriate
to the audience and occasion.

The NCAE-C shall also provide in written statement (within the Avue tool) the reason for one
of the following recommendations:


Highly Recommended
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


Recommended
Not Recommended

7. GENERAL INFORMATION
Application Forms and Materials: applicants will complete all questions within the new DoD CySP
online application tool
https://www.avuedigitalservices.com/casting/aiportal/control/mainmenu?agency=DDW&portal=CYSP.
Please read all questions and answer to the best of your ability. The application itself consists of a resume
and additional OF612 Supplemental items.
Students should understand that their NCAE-C is required by the DoD to participate in the
evaluation of their application for scholarship assistance under this program. The NCAE-C may fulfill its
responsibilities to evaluate the application in a variety of ways. The NCAE-C might constitute a panel to
review application materials or conduct interviews with applicants.
If interested in applying for this opportunity, check with the DoD CySP On-Campus Point of Contact,
for the school immediately to learn of any additional application requirements.
Veteran’s Preference in Hiring: If you served on active duty in the United States Military and were
separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for veteran’s preference. For further details visit
the Office of Personnel Management website at: http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp.




To claim 5-point veterans' preference, attach a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or
discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility, to your Optional Form 612 - Optional
Application for Federal Employment, as required at Item 15 of the application.
To claim 10-point veterans' preference, attach an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veterans'
Preference, plus the proof required by that form, to your Optional Form 612 - Optional Application
for Federal Employment, as required at Item 15 of the application.

Applicants with Disabilities: Applicants can find out about alternatives for submitting an application
by calling the Office of Personnel Management at 912-757-3000. If you have a hearing disability, call TDD
912-744-2299. Applicants may obtain case-by-case assistance by calling the Department of Defense point of
contact for this announcement. The name, address, and email address of the point of contact for this
announcement are below:
DoD CySP Program Office
National Security Agency
Attn: A206, Suite 6810
9800 Savage Road
Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-6810
AskCySP@nsa.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity: The Department of Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All
qualified persons shall receive consideration for this opportunity without regard to political, religious, labor
organization affiliation or non-affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, non-disqualifying
physical disability, age, or sexual orientation.
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8. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
Before being hired, the appointing agency (the specific DoD Agency requesting to hire the
applicant/scholar) will ask the applicant/scholar to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment or other
agency or component specific form to determine suitability for federal employment and to authorize a
background investigation of suitability. The agency will also ask applicants/scholars to sign and certify the
accuracy of all the information in the application. If applicants/scholars make a false statement in any part
of the application, they may not be hired; they may be fired after beginning work; or may be fined or jailed.
Applicants/Scholars will be required to obtain and maintain eligibility for a security clearance in
order to receive financial (scholarship) assistance or an appointment under the CySP. The appointing
agency will ask applicants/scholars to complete certain forms to initiate the security clearance process.
These forms require applicants/scholars to reveal many details about their background, including financial
circumstances, and other sensitive matters such as any arrests and/or convictions for offenses of any kind.
Applicants/Scholars must complete these forms as a condition of financial assistance and appointment.
If an applicant/scholar is a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, they must have
registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a federal job.
Federal law prohibits officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives.
Federal annuitants (military and civilian) may have their salaries or annuities reduced. All employees
must pay any valid delinquent debts or the employee’s payroll office may garnish their salary.

9. APPLICATION CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS, COPIES OF PASSPORTS or DRIVERS LICENSE, BIRTH
CERTIFICATES, or ANY OTHER TYPE OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION.
New Applicants: An acceptable application package for the DoD CySP consists of the following requirements:



The DoD CySP Online Application Tool completely filled out and submitted by 01 February 2023
https://www.avuedigitalservices.com/casting/aiportal/control/mainmenu?agency=DDW&portal=CYSP.
The online application will ask specific questions to determine if you are eligible to apply. If you are
eligible you will be required to provide the following:
o Information about recognitions, honors and awards.
o Resume – the system will prompt the application to provide the required information.
o One (1) Letter of Reference from a current faculty member who is fully knowledgeable of
your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability. See remainder of
application package for instructions about the content of this Letter of Reference. Letters
must be on University letterhead and contain the full name and contact information of the
faculty member (phone, email, and address).
o One (1) additional Letter of Reference from either a current or former faculty member, or a
current or former supervisor who is fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful
learning, your knowledge, and your ability. See remainder of application package for
instructions about the content of this Letter of Reference. Applicants will provide the
contact information for the author of the letter. The author will email the letter directly to
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the DoD CySP Program Office at AskCySP@nsa.gov. Applicants should instruct the author to
save the letter as a PDF with the file name: CySP2023_STUDENT LAST NAME_University
Name. Example: CySP2023_SMITH_Anywhere University. Letters must be on official
letterhead and contain the full name and contact information of the faculty member or
current/former supervisor (phone, email, and address).
o Transcripts from all the institutions of higher learning attended. Electronic transcripts may
be accepted as long as they are certified by the institution.
o Knowledge, Skills and Attributes: Must complete the OF612 Supplemental Competency Statement
(included as a section within the online application) with narrative questions that describe the level of
your attainment of the knowledge and ability factors indicated.

Returning DoD CySP STUDENTS WHO ARE REAPPLYING THROUGH THE AVUE TOOL: An acceptable
application package for the Cyber Scholarship Program consists of the following: (applications due 01
February 2023)
 Log-in to the same account used last year to apply. Contac the AVUE Help Desk for any password
or login credential issues.
 Validate all contact information is accurate.
 One (1) Letter of Reference from the current Principal Investigator or key faculty member who is
fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability,
based upon this past year of effort.
 Transcripts from all the institutions of higher learning have attended SINCE last submission.
Scholars are required to maintain the appropriate grade point average to maintain status in the
program. NOTE: University POCs processing applications for submission may open the transcripts.
 Resume – Upload a resume if available.
 Returning students do not need to provide:
o a list of their honors and awards
o Supplemental Competency Statement
Returning DoD CySP STUDENTS WHO ARE REAPPLYING – Paper Application Only: An acceptable
application package for the Cyber Scholarship Program consists of the following: (Applications due 15
February 2023)
 The CySP Student Application completely filled out and signed. (Attachment D). By signing the
Student Application, you are stating that you have re-read section G and H.
 One (1) Letter of Reference from the current Principal Investigator or key faculty member who is
fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability,
based upon this past year of effort.
 Transcripts from all the institutions of higher learning have attended SINCE last submission.
Scholars are required to maintain the appropriate grade point average to maintain status in the
program. NOTE: University POCs processing applications for submission may open the transcripts.
 Updated resume to include your summer internship activities. A template has been provided in the
application. Applicants are required to use the template.



Returning students do not need to provide:
o a list of their honors and awards
o Supplemental Competency Statement

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