National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service Program

Scholarship for Service (SFS) is a unique program designed to increase and strengthen the cadre of federal information assurance professionals that protect the government's critical information infrastructure. This program provides scholarships that fully fund the typical costs that students pay for books, tuition, and room and board while attending an approved institution of higher learning. The scholarships are funded through grants awarded by the National Science Foundation. Each year or partial year of scholarship benefits incurs a one year government service obligation.

SFS Student FAQs

• Annual Stipend: $34,000 per year for graduate students
• Annual Stipend: $22,500 per year for undergraduate students
• Book Allowance: up to $2,000 per academic year
• Health Insurance Reimbursement (university health only): up to $3,000 per year
• Professional Development Allowance: up to $4,000 per year which includes mandatory attendance at SFS Job Fair typically in early January each year.

This program is ONLY open to citizens of the United States who are willing and eligible to obtain a security clearance. NO EXCEPTIONS!

SFS Scholarship Students must serve at a government agency in a cyber security position for a period equivalent to the length of the scholarship or one year, whichever is longer.

Students must have junior standing or higher and take an approved undergraduate or graduate course of study at MSU which includes:

• Cyber Security and Operations
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Information Systems

Information about the FBI's InfraGard Program

How to join Infragard

Note: the Jackson Chapter is the only chapter in Mississippi

Scholarships are available for East Mississippi Community College students coming to MSU to complete their undergraduate degrees in one of the disciplines listed above. Additionally, all SFS recipients are expected to complete the requirements for the award of the MSU Information Assurance Professional Certificate.

1. Motivation for a career in the U.S. Civil Service
2. Engagement in MSU cyber student activities
3. Interview with scholarship committee chaired by Dr. Hamilton
4. Acceptance into the FBI's Infragard Program
5. Academic Performance

• SAT or ACT score
• College transcript(s) - GPA 3.2 or greater
• Statement of interest for a Civil Service career
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation

• GRE scores
• College transcript(s) - GPA 3.5 or greater
• Statement of interest for a Civil Service career
• Statement of research interest in cyber security
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation