51³Ô¹ÏÍø

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Skills to Protect and Defend

Military and First Responders: Receive up to $5,000 in Tuition to Start Your Career in Cybersecurity

In coalition with the , 51³Ô¹ÏÍø was awarded National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) scholarship funding by the National Security Agency for transitioning veterans and first responders into the field of cybersecurity. Qualifying and selected students will receive up to $5,000 in tuition and fees (not including books, supplies or laptops). 

The objective of the grant is supported by the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø course Network Security Fundamentals (CTS-140) to prepare students for the CompTIA Security+® certification. Grant recipients will obtain their CompTIA certification and receive mentoring and support, including, but not limited to:

  • Planning and reviewing academic evaluations
  • Technical guidance
  • Professional development activities and additional support as needed to be placed in a paid internship
  • Apprenticeship and/or permanent employment in governance, risk and compliance (GR&C) positions, or other cybersecurity related positions.

Eligibility

  • Must be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces OR a first responder interested in a career in cybersecurity
  • Must be currently enrolled in, or applied for admission/transfer to, a cybersecurity-related program at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø:
    • Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (A.A.S.)
    • Advanced Network Security (certificate)
    • Network Security (certificate)
    • Other approved program of study (must be approved by the program navigators). 

Benefits

  • Up to $5,000 in tuition and academic fees (does not include books, supplies or laptops)

Selection

51³Ô¹ÏÍø scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. The scholarships are effective until 2025 starting with the spring 2024 term. Scholarship recipients are selected based on:

  • Academic performance
  • Résumé key items
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Interview

How to Apply

If you're a new student:

  1. Apply to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
  2. After you have submitted an application, you will receive emails with your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø student ID number and information regarding My51³Ô¹ÏÍø, our online student portal. You must activate your and college computer accounts to apply for the scholarship.

Once you've applied OR if you're a currently enrolled student:

  1. Complete the . Log in as a student with your username and select the Cyber GR&C Coalition Scholarship Application. You will need to upload your résumé, transcripts from any previous post-secondary schools and letters of recommendation.

Application deadline is a rolling deadline until all scholarships have been awarded. 


Questions

If you have questions about the grant program, feel free to contact:

Mary Wallingsford
Faculty, Cybersecurity, Networking and Digital Forensics
Program navigator
mewallingsford@aacc.edu
CALT 248
410-777-7173

Adrian Pringle
Faculty, Cybersecurity, Networking and Digital Forensics
Program navigator
alpringle@aacc.edu 
CALT 348
410-777-2492

Scholarships are funded through grants awarded by the National Security Agency and 2023 NCAE Program-Rochester Institute of Technology coalition grant H98230-23-1-0086.