WNY News Now

(WNY News Now) – New York – Senator Kirsten Gillibrand addressed the nation through a video press conference to unveil the expansion of her Cyber Service Academy scholarship initiative, embedded in the recently approved National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“My Cyber Service Academy scholarship addresses a dangerous shortage in cyber personnel in the public sector while also targeting the skyrocketing cost of higher education,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The program will help train a new generation of cyber professionals, allow them to graduate debt free, and provide them the opportunity to serve in the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community after graduating. There are 20 eligible institutions in New York State alone and I encourage all interested high schoolers to apply at gillibrand.senate.gov/cyberacademy on or before February 1st.” 

Designed to counteract a pervasive shortage of cybersecurity personnel within the government, Senator Gillibrand’s program aims to fortify the United States against potential cyber threats from foreign adversaries. Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive scholarship, covering tuition, textbooks, fees, a stipend, laptop purchase, and more. In return, graduates commit to serving in cyber-related roles within the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Intelligence Community (IC).

The revised program mandates the DoD to offer 1,000 scholarships by the 2025-26 academic year, with the provision for up to 10% of graduates to serve in the IC. The scholarship encompasses expenses such as health care, conference travel, and room and board, with stipends ranging from $22,000 to $32,000 annually. Open to applicants from various institutions, the deadline for the next academic year is February 1, 2024.

Academy students commit to postgraduate service, serving one year for each year of scholarship, up to five years. Internships during breaks are also expected. This expanded initiative will be implemented at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, along with over 15 other colleges across New York State.