UNITED STATES – SEPTEMBER 18: The U.S. Capitol building as seen from the Senate side on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

CyberCorps (R): Scholarship For Service (SFS) is a unique, fully-funded scholarship program designed to increase and strengthen the cadre of federal information assurance professionals that protect the government’s critical information infrastructure. This program provides scholarships that may fully fund the typical costs incurred by full-time students, including tuition and education and related fees. Additionally, participants currently receive stipends of $37,000 for graduate students. The scholarships are funded through grants awarded by the National Science Foundation. After graduation, participants must fulfill a government service obligation for a period equivalent to the length of their scholarship (up to two years; odd-semester programs are rounded up). Eligible students are encouraged to visit the national program website: https://www.sfs.opm.gov/ . The scholarships are funded through grants awarded by the National Science Foundation.

• About Scholarship for Service Program

  Scholarship:

  The scholarship program will cover tuition for the program of study. Students also receive a stipend that is intended to contribute to, or cover the cost of living expenses. In addition, travel funds and book allowance are available for students. (Funds are to spend on relevant activities and book purchases). The student must then work for a Federal, State, Local, or Tribal Government organization in an information assurance position for a period equivalent to the length of the scholarship or one year, whichever is longer. For example, if the student is funded for a full two-year period, he or she must serve at a federal agency for two calendar years (though programs that have an odd number of semesters are rounded up). The MSSI program is three semesters, but the work commitment is two years.

  Benefits:

  • Full tuition plus stipend (current stipend rate is $37,000 per year)
  • Health insurance support
  • Book allowance
  • Travel and professional development support
  • Assistance with job placements through the SFS Career Fair

• Requirements and Eligibility

  Students interested in participating in the SFS program must be:

  • A United States citizen or United States permanent residents.
  • Attending school on a full-time basis while receiving a scholarship under the SFS program. No other external employment is allowed.
  • Able to meet selection criteria for federal, state, or local government employment. Final job placement may require a security clearance, so each scholarship recipient may be required to undergo the background investigation required to obtain such a clearance.
  • Competitive students will have a GPA (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) and submit a supplemental one-page essay on why you are interested in the Scholarship for Service and how you feel it would benefit you in your career goals, when submitting your application package.

  Recipient Responsibilities:

  In return for receiving scholarship benefits, each scholarship recipient incurs two obligations:

  • During the summers while enrolled in the program, each student will be responsible for securing an internship position at a federal, state, or local government agency. Numerous resources are available to assist students in identifying and applying for internships.
  • Upon graduation, each student will be required to work in a qualified position for a federal, state, or local government agency or a qualified national laboratory. The work requirement time period matches the supported time period, though programs that have an odd number of semesters are rounded up. For example, the MSSI program is three semesters, but the work commitment is two years.
  • Each student is responsible for identifying, applying for, and securing a qualified position. Numerous resources are available including an annual job fair specifically for SFS students as well as the assistance of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) which oversees permanent placement for scholarship students.
  • Full details about all responsibilities related to the scholarship can be found here.

• Application Process

  Students who are interested in applying for the Scholarship for Service Program must complete the standard application process for the MSSI program, which is:

  • The JHU application
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • GRE scores
  • Statement of Purpose
  • An up to date resume

  Furthermore, for those who would like to apply for SFS you will additionally need to provide:

  • A one-page essay detailing academic, professional, and personal goals, and how participation in the Scholarship for Service Program will help achieve these goals, uploaded along with your admission application, as a supplemental document.

• FAQS

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Q: May I participate in this program either completely or partially online?

  No. While some of the courses have online components, all require actual in-person attendance at JHU as a full-time student. No other external employment is allowed.

  Q: How can I search for qualified internships or employment to meet my obligations under this scholarship?

  You will be required to register on the CyberCorps® SFS website and complete an online resume, which government organizations will search for job candidates. You also will be provided with financial means to attend a job recruitment fair each January during the term supported by CyberCorps®. Additionally, you are encouraged to register at USAJobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads to proactively seek federal internship and employment opportunities. These sites provide current job vacancies and, in some cases, allow you to apply online.

  Q: Where will I work?

  You may fulfill your internship and job commitments at any federal, local, state or tribal agency; independent agency; government corporation, or commission. Students may also serve at a national laboratory or federally funded research development center (FFRDC), such as Sandia National Labs. A list of these organizations is provided at USA.gov, at USAJobs, and at NSF.gov . If you receive an internship or job offer at one of the approved agencies, you are expected to accept. If you receive more than one offer, it is your choice which one you accept.

  Q: What if I want to leave my job before the required period of service ends?

  You must repay scholarship funds and stipends as a prorated amount equivalent to the length of time not served. Details are outlined in the Service Agreement.

  Q: What if I change jobs during the service period?

  You are required to notify the SFS Program Office of any employment changes, ensuring that they have updated contact information.

  Q: Are permanent residents of the United States eligible for this program?

  Yes, both US citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible for this program.

  Additional FAQs are listed on the federal government’s Office of Personnel Management SFS website: https://www.sfs.opm.gov/StudFAQ.aspx

  For additional information, contact:

  jhuisi-info@jhu.edu