01/11/2026
Scholarship Opportunity (2026-27)
DU College of Technology - DoW Cyber Service Academy (CSA)
Davenport University, in cooperation with the Department of War, offers the Cyber Service Academy (CSA) scholarship. Davenport University is recognized as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security.
CSA Scholarship Benefits
Each student in the program will be supported for up to two years. The specific benefits will be:
• Academic-year stipends of $29,000 per year for undergraduate students and $34,000 per year for graduate students
• Tuition and education related fees (does not include items such as meal plans, housing, or parking)
• A one-time purchase of a laptop
• Post-graduation government service requirement for a period equivalent to the length of scholarship
Information Sessions
Information sessions will be held virtually through Blackboard Collaborate:
Presentation/Intro: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Follow Up/Q&A: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Link for information sessions at: https://www.davenport.edu/cybersecurity
CSA Student Applications must be submitted through the online submission tool by February 17, 2026 (noon, EST).
Application Deadline:
February 17, 2026 - CSA Full application (12:00 p.m. through submission tool)
March 9-12, 2026 (tentative) - Candidate Interviews
May 2026 - Selections complete
To be eligible for the CSA you must meet the following criteria:
1. Be 18 years of age or older
2. Be a U.S. citizen (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 to assign eligible students at an Agency without such restrictions.)
3. Be enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in one of the identified CAE colleges or universities listed in this announcement, or enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) at an institution selected by a CAE as a collaborative partner for these purposes.
4. Be a full-time student and have completed (or by August 2026 will have completed) at a minimum the first two years of an undergraduate degree program and be eligible to (a) begin either the third or fourth year of an undergraduate degree program; (b) begin the first or second year of a Master's degree program; or (c) pursue doctoral studies
5. Be pursuing a course of study and/or have a declared major in one of the scientific, technical, or managerial disciplines related to cybersecurity or with a concentration in cyber security.
6. Sign a written agreement obligating you to work for the Department of War, as a civilian employee (or military employee) for one calendar year for each year for which scholarship assistance is received
7. Serve in internship positions, if timing permits, with DoD organizations during the time you are receiving scholarship support
8. Be recommended by the CAE for the scholarship program
9. Have the ability to obtain a security clearance. See the web page information below, which provides more information about fulfilling the necessary security requirements. Failure to be able to obtain a security clearance is grounds for dismissal from the DoW CSA. Applicants/Scholars must be able to obtain the required security clearance for the position selected. Applicants/Scholars may be required to undergo certain tests, including drug and polygraph tests, to obtain and maintain a clearance. Before being awarded a scholarship or hired by DoW, Applicants/Scholars may be required to complete certain forms to initiate the security clearance process. Some of these forms will require that Applicants/Scholars reveal extensive information about their background, such as potentially sensitive information about financial circumstances and any arrests and/or convictions for offenses of any kind. Applicants/Scholars must agree to all of these conditions of employment and must complete these forms as a condition of financial assistance and appointment.
▪ Current web pages from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) are provided below. These are provided for review and consideration in determining whether will be eligible for a security clearance. They may not be all inclusive, however, it is highly recommended that Applicants/Scholars review and understand the requirements prior to signing up to participate in the DoW CSA. https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/job-announcement/security-clearances
10. Maintain good academic standing: 3.2 out of 4.0 GPA (undergraduates); 3.5 out of a 4.0 GPA (graduates)
** Failure to maintain these minimum grade point averages constitutes grounds for immediate termination of financial assistance and your appointment under the CSA. Additionally, if you fail to complete the degree program satisfactorily or to fulfill the service commitment upon graduation, you shall be required to reimburse the United States, in whole or in part, the cost of the financial (scholarship) assistance provided.
For more details see:
See also: https://www.davenport.edu/cybersecurity (Link to recording will be posted here)
