This scholarship is competitive and will only be awarded dependent upon grant funding.
Applicants will apply via a DoD portal located at https://www.dodemergingtech.com/dod-programs/cyber-service-academy-csa/. This solicitation is for the 2025-2026 academic year only. While subsequent years
may be awarded, future awards are not guaranteed. However, students currently in
the DoD CSA program will receive priority the following year.
Students selected to participate in the DoD CSA will be required to sign a written
agreement obligating them to work for a DoD agency, as a civilian employee for one
calendar year for each year of scholarship assistance. However, should a student apply
for only one semester (or six months) of scholarship, the student must still agree
to work for a DoD agency for one year. This agreement is provided to the selecting
agency for their records to ensure compliance with the service commitment. Students
will also be required to serve in internship positions, if timing permits, with DoD
organizations 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 DoD to occur during the summer or other breaks between school terms, as appropriate
to the individual’s circumstances and Tennessee Tech's academic calendar. The internship
does not count toward satisfying the period of obligated service incurred by accepting
the CSA scholarship. Students will be required to formally accept or decline the
scholarship within 15 days of notification. Non-acceptance by this date will mean
the scholarship will be offered to the next available student.
Students will be required to complete a security investigation questionnaire to initiate
the process for a background investigation in preparation for their internships, if
applicable, and as a condition of future employment with the DoD. Drug tests or other
suitability processing will occur as appropriate. Students will also be required to
sign an agreement stating that they will accept assignments requiring travel or change
of duty stations as interns or employees. Individuals who voluntarily terminate employment
during intern appointments or before the end of the period of obligated service required
by the terms of Chapter 112, title 10, Section 2200, United States Code, will be required
to refund the United States, in whole or in part, the cost of the educational assistance
provided to them. Web pages have been provided in the Application Background and Application
Package for review about security clearances to assist both the PIs and the students
in understanding these requirements before they apply.
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.
Undergraduate scholarship recipients will be required to maintain an overall 3.2 GPA
(3.5 GPA in major) out of 4.0 grade point average or the equivalent; graduate students
will be required to maintain an overall 3.5 out of a 4.0 grade point average. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress will constitute grounds for termination
of financial assistance and termination of internship and/or employment appointment.
Additionally, students who fail to complete the degree program satisfactorily or to
fulfill the service commitment upon graduation shall be required to reimburse the
United States, in whole or in part, the cost of the financial (scholarship) assistance
provided to them. Tennessee Tech will be responsible for monitoring student progress and will notify
the DoD CSA Program Manager should any student scholar fail to attain minimum academic
standards required for continuing scholarship support.
Students selected as Cyber Scholars will receive the full cost of tuition, required
fees, up to $1,000 for books/supplies/certifications, up to $1,650 for a laptop, and
a stipend to cover room and board. The stipend levels are $29,000 for undergraduate
students and $34,000 for graduate (Master’s/PhD) students. Awards will be made via
a grant to the CAE institution. Selecting agencies will also provide sponsors who
will maintain contact with the student during the scholarship period, and who will
facilitate the student’s entry into internships, if applicable, and eventually into
DoD employment.
Except for small achievement awards, not to exceed $6,000 in any academic year, a
student may not accept simultaneous remuneration from another scholarship or fellowship.
Graduate programs may include a reasonable amount of teaching or similar activities
that are, in Tennessee Tech's opinion, contributory to the student’s academic progress;
however, the development of students, not service to Tennessee Tech, will govern the
assignment of these activities.
