The Cyber Service Academy enables the Department of Defense to recruit America’s top cyber talent and secure our nation against threats on information systems and networks.
This scholarship for service program provides talented Boise State students with hands on learning opportunities, a comprehensive scholarship covering tuition and living expenses, and guaranteed employment with the department of defense upon graduation. Students will work for the DoD for a minimum of one year for each year of scholarship support received.
Program Benefits
Selected scholars will receive the following benefits from the program:
Stipends for living expenses: $29,000 for undergrads, $34,000 for grad students
Paid internships in the summers with your DoD agency
A Guaranteed full-time job with your sponsoring agency upon graduation
Scholarship coverage for all required tuition and fee expenses
Reimbursements for one time expenses including conference travel and a laptop
Additional Information
This interdisciplinary program is open to students from a range of cyber related degree programs including Computing, Computer Science, Engineering, Cyber Operations and Resilience, Information Technology Management, Mathematics, and M.S. Cybersecurity. This includes bachelor’s, masters, and doctoral students. Additionally, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Must be a U.S. Citizen at the time of application
Must meet minimum GPA standards of 3.5 or above
Must have at least junior standing by the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester
Must have at least one year (fall and spring semester) of studies left starting in the Fall 2026 semester
The DoD doesn’t have a strong presence in Idaho. Given this, candidates must be willing to move out of state to complete internship and post-graduation work obligations
Must be eligible for federal employment and be able to obtain security clearance
Applications for awards starting in 2025 have closed. Below is an expected timeline for the upcoming year. Please note that these dates are estimates and that key dates shift from year to year.
June – October 2025: Optional advising opportunity for students (email DouglasHutchinson@boisestate.edu)
November 2025: Applications Open
February 1, 2026: Application Deadline
February-March 1, 2026: University Staff Review Applications
March – April 2026: Agencies review applications and hold “football draft” to select candidates
Late April, 2026: Award notifications are delivered
April 30th, 2026: Award Acceptance deadline
Late July 2026: Mandatory on-site orientation at George Washington University
September 3, 2026: Scholars begin to receive funding
Before you submit your official application you must complete the contact form below. This will go directly to CSA program leaders Dr. Yeh and Douglas Hutchinson. We recommend that you reach out to as soon as possible even if you’re not completely certain you want to apply. Once the application portal opens in the fall, you’ll create an account and submit your application here. Application requirements include:
Official transcripts from all higher ed institutions you have attended
Current resume
One (1) Letter of Reference from a current faculty member who is fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability.
One (1) additional Letter of Reference from either a current or former faculty member, or a current or former supervisor who is fully knowledgeable of your potential for successful learning, your knowledge, and your ability.
A series of short narrative response questions covering the following six competency areas. Responses tend to be 120-175 words each with a maximum of about 200 words. Provide clear information about not just what you know, but how you’ve learned it (specific jobs, classes, projects, certification studies, etc).
Knowledge of the techniques of the cybersecurity discipline, including encryption, access control, physical security, training, threat analysis, and authentication.
Knowledge of the human factors in cybersecurity, 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 clear, convincing and organized manners appropriate to the audience and occasion.
Students are expected to maintain at least a 3.5 gpa and regularly engage in professional development activities. Additionally, scholars must meet the following obligations:
Travel and attend three day Cyber Service Academy bootcamp out of state. This is typically held in Washington D.C. and travel expenses are covered by the program
Students must participate in summer internships with their sponsoring agency during the summers after their award begins. These internships do not count towards your work obligation with the DoD.
Work for your sponsoring agency post-graduation for a minimum of one year for each year of scholarship support you receive. Both internships and work obligations are completed on site. This opportunity is not a fit for candidates who only want to work remotely or in Idaho.
