How to apply for the CyberCorps® Scholarship For Service
Eligibility requirements
- Must be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Current University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno student or applicant (admissions application must be submitted before scholarship application)
- 18 years or older
- Undergraduate junior or higher (at the time of receiving the scholarship)
- Enrolled in B.S. in computer science and engineering with cybersecurity (technical) minor
Application deadline: Sept. 15
Application requirements
In addition to your completed application, the following additional supplemental items are required:
- A resume, including a record of any public service or background, plus any security clearances held (if any); a list of academic recognitions, awards, honors and distinctions that you have received; activities with ÁùºÏ±¦µä Cyber Club and prior performance in internal trainings and/or competitions.
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended (University students may submit an unofficial transcript)
- Three Letters of Reference from persons knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, as well as your knowledge and ability in your previous work. At least one of these letters must be from a current faculty member, and the second letter may be from either a current or former faculty member, or a current or former employer. Each letter must contain the name, position or title, telephone number, email address, and institutional or organizational address of the referee.
- In order to ensure confidentiality of these letters, they must be emailed by the referee directly to the SFS selection committee at SFS@unr.edu no later than the deadline of Sept. 15.
- The referee should ensure the name of the candidate they are referring is included clearly in the subject line and/or body of the email.
- A Statement of Purpose describing your:
- Goals and motivations to pursue a career in cybersecurity
- Interest in government service, including specific interest and anticipated career path
- Personal assessment of the following areas:
- Knowledge of techniques of the cybersecurity discipline, including encryption, access control, physical security, training, threat analysis and authentication
- Knowledge of human factors in cybersecurity, including human computer interaction, design, training, sabotage, human error prevention and identification, personal use policies, and monitoring (security courses, program design)
- Ability to identify and analyze problems, distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions, and provide solutions to individual and organizational problems
- Ability to consider and respond appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; is tactful, compassionate and sensitive, and treats others with respect
- Ability to make clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere of open communication
- Ability to express facts and ideas in writing in clear, convincing and organized manners appropriate to the audience and occasion
- Applicants must complete a University Financial Aid application form in .
Selection criteria
Student selection will be competitive and conducted by the Project Academic Committee at the University. The shortlist of applicants will be based upon a review of the above listed application materials.
The shortlisted applicants will be invited to in-person interviews with the SFS Academic Committee, which will pay special attention to candidates with the strongest potential for talent development and successful public service.