Cyber security grants are a free source of funds for college. Grants in cyber security can protect and defend against cyberattacks. Many occupations are growing in popularity, including cyber security. Schools are competing to open new degree programs.
Furthermore, the federal government sponsors initiatives to create a skilled workforce in the cyber sector. This means higher education institutions have plenty of cyber security grants. There is a wide range of requirements for scholarship awards. Minority groups are often targeted with scholarships based on race, gender, and other factors.
How To Apply For A Cyber Security Grant?
You need to meet a few requirements before applying for a cyber security grant. You must then apply if you qualify. Compare your capabilities with the eligibility and technology requirements in the application instructions before filling out the application. While the application process can be lengthy, it is essential to consider the importance of pursuing government-related work and the competitive environment in which you may find yourself.
You need to develop your ideas, conduct research, write your proposal, and complete the application for grants. These steps may vary depending on the grant you are applying for.
Top Cyber Security Grants 2022
The following are some of the best cyber security grants in 2022. Keep an eye on deadlines and get your applications in early!
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
Students pursuing graduate degrees in NSF-sponsored STEM fields at accredited US institutions pursuing research-based master's or doctoral degrees are recognized and supported through the NSF GRFP. In addition to an annual stipend of $34,000, the fellowship offers $12,000 towards the cost of educational expenses for the institution over the five years.
Applicants must be citizens of the United States, US nationals, or permanent residents. Only graduate students in STEM fields are eligible for this award. Those selected can study at any federal lab or school in the United States. More than 40 former fellows in STEM fields have been awarded Nobel prizes.
Cyber Security Public Service Grant
The State Council offers Cyber Security Public Service Grants for Higher Education in Virginia. Graduates with degrees in cyber security from Virginia schools are encouraged to apply. It does so in partnership with colleges and businesses approved by the council. State and employer matching benefits are then provided for up to $20,000. Awards are renewable for a maximum of three years.
To qualify for this opportunity, you must reside within Virginia during the employment period in which the contract is in effect. Upon graduation from an accredited Virginia institution of higher education, the graduate must begin full-time employment within one year. You must have separated from active duty in the US military within one year of your separation.
National Defense Science And Engineering Graduate Fellowship
With the support of the Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering and the armed forces, the DoD promotes education in fields related to science and engineering. The U.S. government encourages promising U.S. scientists to earn doctorates in designated research fields by awarding fellowships.
National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowships are competitive fellowships awarded to U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, and dual citizens who intend to pursue a Doctoral degree aligned to the DoD services' Broad Agency Announcements in research and development at an institution of their choice in the United States.
The NDSEG has awarded over 4,000 fellowships since its inception, and over 60,000 applications have been submitted. In the upcoming fiscal year (subject to funding availability), the DoD plans to award up to 500 new three-year fellowships to those who have demonstrated an aptitude and ability to pursue advanced training in science and engineering.
A doctoral degree in a discipline with a national security focus is required. Applicants may be in their last year of undergraduate studies and accepted into a doctoral program. They may also be enrolled in graduate programs and their second year of study. Participants work for one summer in a Department of Defense lab during the award period.
National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service (SFS)
In line with the U.S. strategy to develop a superior cybersecurity workforce, CyberCorps(R): Scholarship for Service (SFS) is aligned with these goals. In addition, these goals include increasing new entrants to the government cyber workforce, improving national capacity for cybersecurity education, strengthening national research and development capabilities related to the protection of critical information infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships between institutions of higher education and relevant employers.
Scholarship programs in cybersecurity may be established or continued under the SFS program. After graduation, scholarship recipients must work for the government in a cybersecurity position for a period equal to the scholarship duration. The proposed institution must demonstrate that it has a robust academic program in cybersecurity.
It may include ABET accreditation in cyber security; a designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE), Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), or Research (CAE-R); or similar evidence demonstrating a strong cybersecurity program.
Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program
Students take part in real naval research for ten weeks during the summer as part of the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) at the Department of Navy (DoN). The Research Lab is one of 36 of the Department of the Navy's Research Centers. They provide engineering and technical support. Graduate degree levels determine the amount of stipend.
With the NREIP, college students, graduating seniors, and graduate students pursuing STEM careers can gain insight into Naval research and technology while being mentored by top scientists and engineers.
Participants go on to careers within the Department of Defense after completing NREIP, with over 800 placements in 47 laboratories. Academic achievement, purpose statements, recommendations, and career and research interests are considered when choosing interns.
Central Intelligence Agency – Undergraduate Scholarship Program
A scholarship program through the CIA may be a good choice for students who wish to pursue a government career after college. An accredited college or university must be the primary place of attendance for CIA scholarship recipients. These students then work at the CIA over the summers. A scholarship recipient must work at the CIA for at least 1.5 times the scholarship length received after graduation.
Recipients of scholarships who do not stay for the required period are responsible for reimbursing the government for the cost of tuition. While on summer work tours, employees must relocate to the Washington, D.C. metro area. Visit the CIA website's careers page for more information about the scholarship.
The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (NSA)
The NSA also offers scholarships similar to the CIA program. This scholarship is another example of a scholarship for service. After graduating, the student must work for the organization, or else they must repay all of the scholarship money.
The Stokes Program awards $30,000 in tuition a year to selected participants. Their summer internships will take place at the NSA for three months. The NSA's scholarship program requires students to work there 1.5 times as long as the scholarship. The NSA pays a yearly salary to its full-time employees at this time, along with all the benefits that come with it.
The Snort Scholarship
Snort is a scholarship provided by Cisco, a technology giant. In addition to the Snort scholarship, recipients are also entitled to a scholarship award of $10,000 that can be applied to any accredited college, university, or institution. For this scholarship, the only requirement is that applicants obtain their high school diploma or provide evidence that they are seeking a degree in a relevant field by the date the scholarship takes effect. Currently, the Snort scholarship is given to two students each year. These scholarships typically take place between April and May of each year.
KnowBe4 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship and Internship
Known4 specializes in simulated phishing campaigns and security awareness training. Students pursuing cybersecurity careers can apply for the KnowBe4 scholarship, which offers up to $10,000 toward tuition, fees, and books. KnowBe4 will provide a paid summer internship for the scholarship recipients as a bonus.
Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security (SWSIS)
Women pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in a cybersecurity-related field are eligible for the SWSIS scholarship. The SWSIS scholarship is only available to students attending accredited US universities. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible to apply.
Scholarships up to $10,000 are offered through the SWSIS program. These scholarships are designed to assist women entering these fields at the beginning of their careers. Applications will be accepted beginning December 15th and the deadline is February 1st. The SWSIS is a partnership between Applied Computer Security Associates (ACSA) and CRA-W.
Women Techmakers Scholars Program
The Google Women Techmakers Scholarship for computer science is one of three scholarships offered in memory of Dr. Anita Borg. US students receive $10,000 USD and Canadian students receive $5,000 CAD. A high school diploma or equivalent, enrollment at an institution with accreditation, and a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate are required for you to be eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Cisco Veteran Cyber Scholarship Program
The Cisco Veteran Cyber Scholarship Program is offered in partnership with Onward to Opportunity. In contrast to the other scholarships we've discussed, this one provides free training and certification from Cisco instead of financial support for colleges or universities. The scholarship recipients can take the Cisco CCNA certification course and earn their certification.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
The Veterans Affairs Department sponsors the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans wishing to pursue higher out-of-state tuition, graduate school tuition, or private school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover. However, this scholarship can be applied to a cyber security degree, even though it's not specifically relevant to cybersecurity.
Google Student Veterans Award (SVA) Scholarship
Google awards eight scholarships of $10,000 each to students studying computer science who are veterans. Scholars can use this award for undergraduate and graduate degrees at an accredited four-year institution. Scholarships are available to student veterans, active-duty military personnel, or veterans with honorable discharges and in good standing with the branch of service they served. In addition, scholarship winners are invited to participate in Google's Scholars Retreat.
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