Community College Cyber Pilot Program (C3P): Scholarship for Service (SFS) is a unique program designed to increase and strengthen the cadre of information assurance professionals that protect the government’s critical information infrastructure.

C3P scholars complete an associate degree or specialized program certifications in the field of cybersecurity.

We are currently not recruiting a new cohort at this time, but check this webpage periodically for any updates. Visit the SFS website to see what four-year schools are participating.

Eligibility

• United States citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Currently enrolled in, or applied for admission/transfer to, a cybersecurity-related program at AACC
  • Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (A.A.S.)
  • Computer Science Transfer (A.S.)
  • Other approved program of study (must be approved by the department chair)
• Have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline OR be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Meet selection criteria for federal employment, including obtaining a security clearance

Benefits

• Full tuition and academic fees for up to two years
• Annual stipend of $22,500
• Annual textbook allowance of $2,000
• Annual professional development allowance
• Paid summer internship at a local/state/federal agency between the scholar's first and second year in the program*
• Full-time employment at a local/state/federal government agency*

*The AACC C3P Scholars are responsible to apply for and obtain a position. The AACC C3P Program will provide assistance with identifying employment opportunities.

Obligations

• Be a full-time student
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for all courses
• Participate in all AACC C3P program activities
• Complete the degree/program requirements successfully**
• Participate in a summer internship with a local/state/federal agency***
• Work for a local/state/federal agency in qualifying positions, upon completing academic degree requirements. Length of service depends on length of scholarship support—one year of service for one year of support.***

**Although there will be flexibility in meeting individual student interests and goals, there will be a list of required courses a student must take. Contact the program director to discuss your individual requirements.

***List of Federal Agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers.

Selection

AACC C3P scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. The scholarships are effective for up to two years starting with the fall semester. Scholarship recipients are selected based on:

• Academic performance
• Resume key items
• Letters of recommendation
• Essay outlining the applicant's objectives as it relates to cybersecurity and a career in the government
• Ability to obtain security clearance
• Interview

Questions

If you have questions about the program, feel free to contact Professor Wallingsford or Professor Leary:

Mary Wallingsford
Chair, Cybersecurity, Networking and Digital Forensics
C3P Program Navigator
mewallingsford@aacc.edu
CALT 248
410-777-7173

Carrie Leary
Faculty, Cybersecurity, Networking and Digital Forensics
C3P Program Navigator
csleary@aacc.edu
CALT 338
410-777-7088

Scholarships are funded through grants awarded by the National Science Foundation's Community College Cyber Pilot Program (C3P).

Visit the Scholarship for Service website to find additional scholarship opportunities.