Cybercrime, regardless of how you define it, is impacting our world at the rate of billions of dollars a year and is a clear threat to our national security. Cybercriminals are tearing at the very fabric of our society and our businesses and governments need access to the best and brightest talent to help protect our intellectual property, assets, citizens, privacy, and national security. The current demand for professionals in this field has far exceeded supply with some estimates putting the future IT and cybersecurity workforce shortfall between 1.5 and 3.5 million by 2023.

Since 2002, the NCFTA has been a champion of public-private partnerships and collaboration in the fight against and successful disruption of cyber and cyber-enabled crime.  We strongly believe in encouraging, supporting, and helping to grow a capable, diverse, and motivated cyber workforce.  Developing our own top tier cyber experts and analysts (as well as our very successful internship program) has directly benefited both public and private partners and beginning in 2018, we are committing to do more to address the cybersecurity workforce crisis.  To encourage students to pursue a cyber-related degree and seek careers in private and public service, we are announcing the creation of the NCFTA Cyber-Scholars Program which will provide scholarships to deserving students pursuing a degree in cybersecurity or related field of study.

The first NCFTA Cyber-Scholars Scholarships will be awarded in January, 2019, in the amount of $1000 each.  Eligibility requirements, how to apply, submission deadlines, etc. can be found below.

The NCFTA Cyber-Scholars Program will be funded through industry and private donations as well as net proceeds from all future NCFTA training offerings.  For information on how to donate to the Cyber-Scholars Program, please send request to Cyber-scholars@ncfta.net.     For information on NCFTA training offerings, please visit https://www.ncfta.net/training/ .

Eligibility

  • Must be pursuing a degree with a focus on cyber/IT security, information assurance, intelligence analysis, or program with a similar focus area
  • Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited institution located in the U.S.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident with no felony convictions
  • Must be attending classes on campus or online during the award period with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • May be attending full time or part time; if attending school on a part time basis, must be taking at least 2 courses simultaneously
  • Applicants must submit an unofficial transcript (or proof of enrollment if a first year student), resume, proof of citizenship, one reference letter, and a personal statement

How to apply

Applicants must submit all required material to Cyber-scholars@ncfta.net no later than midnight on the last day of submission.  For the first group of selectees, expected to be awarded in January 2019, all materials are due by midnight, September 15,  2018.  The following material is required to be submitted in PDF format.  Any additional material submitted will not be considered.

  • Unofficial transcript(s) from current (or most recent) academic institution
  • Resume and proof of citizenship
  • One Academic or Professional Letter of Recommendation outlining the following:

o   Length and nature of relationship to the applicant

o   How has the applicant demonstrated his/her commitment to completing a degree in a cyber-related field of study??

o   Or, how has the applicant demonstrated his/her willingness and ability to work in a team environment?

o   What other information about the applicant should be taken into consideration?

o   The contact information of the individual making the recommendation should further questions arise regarding the applicant

  • Personal Statement (not to exceed three pages, double spaced) to include:

o   Why you chose to pursue your current academic and professional path?

o   What goals have you set for yourself (long term and short)?

o   Why do you need the scholarship?

o   What role does cyber/IT security play in today’s world and why do you wish to be a part of it?

Not all applicants will receive a scholarship and applicants will only be contacted in the event of an award.  Awards will be sent directly to the winners.  All award winners will be posted on the NCFTA website unless otherwise not permitted. All scholarship recipients must re-apply in subsequent years and will be re-evaluated with all submissions. No scholarship awards will be automatically renewed.

Evaluation Criteria

  • Demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in cyber/IT security, information assurance, intelligence analysis, or other position with a similar focus
  • Proven ability to work in a team environment
  • Financial need
  • Academic merit

For further information regarding the Cyber-Scholars Program, please send request to Cyber-scholars@ncfta.net.