U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited Stony Brook University to promote the DoD Cyber Service Academy scholarship program. This initiative offers full college tuition in exchange for public service in the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Intelligence Community (IC).
Stony Brook is among 24 New York institutions designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, qualifying them to host students through this program. Applicants will serve one year as civilian employees in the DoD or IC for each year they receive a scholarship.
Senator Gillibrand, who developed the Cyber Service Academy through her work on the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasized the importance of addressing nearly 30,000 unfilled cyber positions within the DoD. "Thousands of unfilled DoD cyber positions leave our country with a severe shortage of personnel needed to protect the United States from adversaries like Russia," she stated. She added that this program offers young people a pathway to well-paying government jobs while creating a skilled cyber workforce.
Richard L. McCormick, Interim President of Stony Brook University, expressed pride in being part of this initiative: “We are incredibly honored to be part of the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security Research.” He highlighted its role in preparing students for careers defending national security and thanked Senator Gillibrand for her leadership.
New York State Senator Mario Mattera called cybersecurity critical for national safety and described the program as "a groundbreaking step forward." He encouraged students to seize this opportunity for fully funded education while contributing to national security efforts.
New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood also voiced support: “I am pleased to support Sen. Gillibrand’s Cyber Service Academy Initiative.” He stressed its significance in enhancing cybersecurity capabilities and protecting digital infrastructure.
Students interested in applying can visit www.gillibrand.senate.gov/cyberacademy and follow instructions under the DoD Cyber Scholarship Program link. The application period for 2025-2026 remains open until February 1, 2025.