Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott’s Cyber Intelligence and Security (CIS) Department is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Department of War (DoW) Cyber Service Academy (CSA).

Submit your scholarship applications at the official DoW CSA online portal before Feb. 17, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EST.

Overview

The DoW CSA program is authorized by Chapter 112 of title 10, United States Code, Section 2200. The purpose of the program is to support the recruitment of new cyber talent and the retention of current highly skilled professionals within the cyber workforce to help secure the US against the threats of information systems and networks. Hence, the DoW CSA program is best suited for students who want to enter the cybersecurity field where they can work on circumventing national-level threats. This opportunity to work on real-world problems and gain experience can greatly accelerate your career and help you to succeed in the field.

The DoW estimates awarding scholarships via grant awards for a period of one year, beginning with the Fall 2026 semester, to DHS and NSA designated National Centers of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense Education, Cyber Defense Research and Cyber Operations (CAE-Cs). Awards will be made via a grant to the CAE (ERAU-Prescott). Selecting agencies will also provide sponsors who will maintain contact with the student during the scholarship period, and who will facilitate the student’s entry into internships, if applicable, and eventually into DoD employment.

Benefits

Students selected as Cybersecurity Scholars by the DoW CSA program will receive a full-ride scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year that is expected to cover the following:

  • Full cost of tuition and books (only the required textbooks)
  • Required fees (including healthcare)
  • A laptop, if funding allows, which the student can keep after the scholarship period has ended (limited to $1,650)
  • Undergraduate: $29,000 stipend to cover room/board and other living expenses
  • Graduate: $34,000 stipend to cover room/board and other living expenses
  • Internship opportunities and guaranteed employment with a DoW agency upon graduation (contingent of eligibility to obtain a clearance)
  • Begin security clearance processing while being a student
  • Collaboration with the best in cyber security

Other benefits include:

  • Scholarship recipients who successfully complete the terms of an initial one- or two- year scholarship (for example, complete an undergraduate degree), may apply for a second scholarship of up to three years for completing an advanced degree, if the sponsoring agency agrees.
  • When funding allows, students may be provided funding to attend one US-based cybersecurity related conference. No foreign travel authorized.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be/have:

  • U.S. citizenship.
  • Desire to work in cybersecurity and national security.
  • Full-time undergraduate or graduate student at ERAU-Prescott within two years of graduation, pursuing a course of study and/or have a declared major in one of the scientific, technical, or managerial disciplines related to cyber or with a concentration in cybersecurity. Eligible programs at ERAU-Prescott are provided in the next section.
    • Note: you may be only accepted for enrollment as a full-time student in the eligible programs at ERAU-Prescott for the 2026-2027 academic year.
      Graduating in May 2027, or before May 2028.
  • Graduating in May 2026 or before May 2027.
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 (for undergrads) and 3.5 (for grads).
  • 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance.
    • Failure to be able to obtain a security clearance is grounds for dismissal from the DoW CSA. You must be able to obtain the required security clearance for the position selected. Before you may be awarded a scholarship or hired by DoW, you will be required to complete certain forms to initiate the security clearance process. Some of these forms will require that you reveal extensive information about your background, such as potentially sensitive information about your financial circumstances and any arrests and/or convictions for offenses of any kind. You must agree to all of these conditions of employment and you must complete these forms as a condition of financial assistance and appointment.
    • Note: If family members are not U.S. citizens, some DoW agencies may be unable to process the applicant (student) to the security clearance level required. Every effort will be made by the DoW to assign eligible students at an agency without such restrictions.
  • Not currently employed full-time by the DoW or a federal agency. Also, students who are currently receiving funds from another scholarship program or who have a service obligation upon graduation are not eligible to apply for the DoW CSA.

Eligible Programs at ERAU Prescott

How to Apply

Use the two-part application form linked under the DoW CSA online portal.

Applicants are encouraged to dedicate enough time to answer both parts in one sitting. Please carefully follow the detailed instructions posted on the portal.
Unofficial Transcripts: Applicants will submit (over email) unofficial transcripts to the DoW CSA Program Office directly. Due date: 12:00 PM EST on 17 February 2026. Follow instructions on portal for the email address and email subject line.

One (1) Letter of Recommendation: Must be sent directly to the DoW CSA Program Office by the author, not the applicant. The letter should come from a current or most recent faculty member or supervisor who can speak to your potential for academic success and your cyber-knowledge and ability. The applicant is responsible for contacting the author and ensuring the letter is sent by the deadline. Letters sent by the applicant will not be accepted. Due Date for the letter: 12:00 PM EST on 17 February 2026. Follow instructions on portal for the email address and email subject line, and please guide your letter author appropriately since the letter will be sent directly by them to the DoW CSA Program Office.

Competitions / Cyber Exercises / Capture-the-Flag Documentation: Applicants will submit any cyber competition data directly to the DoW CSA Program Office via email. Due Date: 12:00 PM EST on 17 February 2026. Follow instructions on portal for the email address and email subject line.

Submitting Your Application

Application Deadline: Saturday, Feb. 17, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EST

Your application must be submitted by the above deadline. It is final and set by the DoW CSA program office. You cannot submit your application past this deadline.

Assessment

All applications will be evaluated in the following stages:

  • Verification: Upon receipt of an application in the portal, the CAE Principal Investigator (Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya) will review it for completeness and to ensure that the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the program. Applications not meeting the minimum requirements will automatically receive a final ranking of “Not Recommended” for the CSA.
  • Ranking: After the application deadline, the Principal Investigator and the CAE faculty/staff will objectively rate the applicants as “Not Recommended,” “Recommended” or “Highly Recommended” based on the selection criteria, described in the next section.
    • Note: This ranking is carried out in accordance with the CSA requirements for “Academic Sufficiency” and “Knowledge and Ability” determination procedures listed in the CSA Attachment C.
  • The final applicant list, including the applicants’ respective rankings, will then be sent to the Department of Defense, which will select the scholarship recipients.

Selection Criteria

The criteria used to classify and rank applicants are:

  • Cumulative and major undergraduate or graduate GPA
  • Academic record
  • Two Letters of Reference
  • Demonstrated leadership, participation in team activities, prior social service, and/or evidence of creative and independent thinking and/or acting.
  • Knowledge of the techniques of the information technology and/or information security (assurance) discipline, including encryption, access control, physical security, training, threat analysis and authentication.
  • Knowledge of the human factors in the information technology and/or information security (assurance), including human computer interaction, design, training, sabotage, human error prevention and identification, personal use policies and monitoring.
  • 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 a clear, convincing and organized manner appropriate to the audience and occasion.

Announcement of Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship notifications for students are expected to be announced starting May 1, 2026. Scholarships are awarded for a period of one academic year (2026-2027), with awards expected to be made by August 1, 2026.

Scholarship Restrictions

  • Submission of a  DoW CSA   application does not guarantee selection as a Cyber Scholar.
  • Students selected to participate in the  DoW CSA  will be required to sign a written agreement obligating them to work for the DoW, as a civilian employee, for one calendar year for each year of scholarship assistance. If selected, you will also be required to serve in a paid internship position, if timing permits, with the DoW organizations during the time you are receiving scholarship support until you have completed the course of study provided for by the scholarship.
  • Applicants must be able to obtain a security clearance necessary for employment at a DoW agency upon graduation (clearance is not required at the time of application to the  DoW CSA  ).
  • Except for small achievement awards, not to exceed $6,000 in an academic year, a student may not accept simultaneous remuneration from another scholarship or fellowship. The  DoW CSA is a first pay scholarship program. However, students should not stop, interfere with, or otherwise delay the application or acceptance of other forms of financial aid until notified that he/she has been selected as a Cyber Scholar.
  • Scholarship recipients will be required to maintain a GPA of 3.2 (for undergrads) and 3.5 (for grads). Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress will constitute grounds for termination of financial assistance and termination of internship and/or employment appointment. Additionally, students who fail to complete the degree program satisfactorily or to fulfill the service commitment upon graduation shall be required to reimburse the United States, in whole or in part, the cost of the financial (scholarship) assistance provided to them.
  • Additional years of scholarship awards are dependent upon satisfactory academic progress, internship performance, if applicable, and the availability of funds.

Questions

For more information and/or questions, please contact the CAE Principal Investigator, Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya at sampiger@erau.edu or 928-777-3404.

United States of America Department of Defense

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