CyberCorps (R) Scholarship for Service (SFS) – Defending America’s Cyberspace Proposal Review and Key Components
Review of Cybersecurity Scholarship Program Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 (NSF/DHS/OPM) Overarching Goal/Objective: To recruit and train the next generation of information technology professionals, industry control system security professionals and security managers. Documented evidence of a strong existing academic program in cybersecurity
Achieved Designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) 2016 - 2021
Cyber Workforce Deficit
Augusta – Location, Location, Location
Riverfront Campus Groundbreaking - June 19, 2017
Background State-owned facility ($50M appropriated thru Governor’s Budget) Owned by Georgia Technology Authority Home to Georgia Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Unit Promote modernization in cybersecurity technology for public and private industries Cyber Range Training facility Interdisciplinary research – healthcare, computer science, electrical engineering, math, robotics
Role of Cyber Institute CAE responsibilities Assign a Principal Investigator/Program Manager Joanne Sexton, Director of Cyber Institute Markus Bacha, Academic Program Coordinator Hold an information session for 2nd/3rd/4th year students in cybersecurity who meet minimum GPA on application requirements (Sophomores at Augusta Tech are eligible for one year of support) Verify documentation of the eligibility of each applicant for scholarship appointment to meet minimum requirements Coordinate with OPM for summer internships and permanent job placements for each student Track academic progress of students to determine continued eligibility
CyberCorps (R) Scholarship for Service (SFS) – Defending America’s Cyberspace Student Application
SFS Student Scholarship Eligibility Criterion: a. Must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States. b. Must be a full-time student within three years of graduation with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a formal program focused in cybersecurity
Student Obligation Maintain 3.0/3.5 GPA (undergraduate/graduate) Students selected to participate in CyberCorps SFS will be obligated to work for a federal, state, or local agency for one calendar year for a period equal to the length of scholarship Students will also be required to serve in internship positions, during the time they are receiving scholarship support until they complete the course of study provided for by the scholarship. These internships will be arranged by the AU and Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The internship does not count toward satisfying the period of obligated service incurred by accepting the Cybersecurity scholarship. Students will participate in SFS conferences, workshops, and seminars. Failure to satisfy academic or service requirements of the program will result in forfeiture of the scholarship award, which will revert to a student loan
Key Components of the Student Application Application (including essay questions) Official AU transcripts (POUNCE) Resume Awards, Honors, and Extracurricular Activities Two letters of reference – one must be from a current faculty member Verification of Academic and Employment Conditions FERPA Release http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK154494/#sciencv.Using_the_NSF_Biographical_Sketc
Key Components of the Student Application Background Check Internships and final job placements in government organizations typically require high-level security clearances and scholarship recipients are required to undergo a background investigation necessary to obtain such clearances Reveal extensive information about your background, such as potentially sensitive information regarding your financial circumstances and any arrests and/or convictions for offenses of any kind May be required to undergo certain tests, including drug and polygraph tests, to obtain and maintain clearance. See link below for more information. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK154494/#sciencv.Using_the_NSF_Biographical_Sketc
Recap SFS Process/Timeline Student Cyber Institute NSF Celebrate! Application Essay Resume Letters FERPA Committee Review Essays Recommendation PI Review July 19 July 31
CyberCorps (R) Scholarship for Service (SFS) – Defending America’s Cyberspace Questions?
Recommended SFS Timeline Scholarship notifications for students will be announced to the CAEs in Fall/Winter 2017. Recommended Timeline: Identify eligible students 7/07/2017 Contact student(s) to provide general information 7/07/2017 Develop webpage with info and application 7/12/2017 Host student information session 7/12/2017 Consult with Career Services for Resume 7/12-7/19/2017 Student application deadline 7/19/2017 CAE student application review/scoring 7/21/2017