Stony Brook University

11/19/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/19/2024 15:30

Senator Gillibrand Promotes Cyber Service Academy At Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick (right) joined U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in announcing the DoD Cyber Service Academy scholarship program. Photos by John Griffin.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined elected officials and educators to encourage Stony Brook University students to apply to the DoD Cyber Service Academy scholarship program, which provides full college tuition in return for public service in the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Intelligence Community (IC).

Stony Brook is one of 24 New York institutions that qualify to host students through the program because of their designations as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. Successful applicants will serve one year in the DoD or the IC as a civilian employee for each year of their scholarship.

Gillibrand created the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program through her work on the Senate Armed Services Committee. With nearly 30,000 unfilled DoD cyber positions, it is more essential than ever that the U.S. create a pipeline for a talented, highly trained cyber workforce.

"Thousands of unfilled DoD cyber positions leave our country with a severe shortage of personnel needed to protect the United States from adversaries like Russia. I developed the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program to help meet these needs and give our youth a path to good-paying jobs in government," said Gillibrand. "This program will create a pipeline for a talented, highly trained cyber workforce, granting one year of free college for every year of subsequent public service. Stony Brook University is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, and I encourage students to apply, earn free tuition, and serve our great nation."

"We are incredibly honored to be part of the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security Research, a forward-thinking initiative which will provide our students with pathways towards careers in civil service. Through this program, students will utilize the world class education and training they are receiving from Stony Brook to defend our nation's security," said Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick. "Now, more than ever, It is imperative that we meet our mission as a higher education institution to educate and train the future leaders in cybersecurity. We are appreciative of Senator Gillibrand's leadership in spearheading this program."

"Cybersecurity is one of the most critical fields for our nation's safety, and Senator Gillibrand's Cyber Service Academy at Stony Brook University and other educational institutions like Suffolk County Community College is a groundbreaking step forward," said New York State Senator Mario Mattera. "This program not only provides students with an incredible opportunity for a fully funded education but also builds a strong, skilled workforce to protect our national security. It is an investment in our youth and the future of our country, and I urge students to take advantage of this life-changing initiative."

"I am pleased to support Sen. Gillibrand's Cyber Service Academy Initiative and applaud her commitment to strengthening our nation's cybersecurity capabilities," said New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood. "This program plays a crucial role and invests in our future, providing the skills needed to advance cyber defense and defend our digital infrastructure. Initiatives such as this ensure we remain vigilant and protect our communities and country."

The Cyber Service Academy scholarship program includes:

  1. A scholarship covering the full cost of tuition, select books and fees, a stipend for room and board, purchase of a laptop, and more;
  2. Areas of study including cybersecurity, cyber operations, digital and multimedia forensics, computer crime investigations, and more;
  3. A service commitment for a period equivalent to the length of a recipient's scholarship that starts after graduation;
  4. Opportunities to serve throughout the DoD and the Intelligence Community.

Interested students should go to www.gillibrand.senate.gov/cyberacademy and click on the DoD Cyber Scholarship Program link to apply. This page will continue to be updated as the DoD refines its application process. The application for the 2025-2026 academic year is open through February 1, 2025.