Suffolk Reporter

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 eligible to host students through this program due to its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.

The scholarship requires recipients to serve one year as a civilian employee in the DoD or IC for each year they receive funding. Senator Gillibrand, who developed the program through her role on the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasized its importance given 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," stated Gillibrand. "I developed the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program to help meet these needs and give our youth a path to good-paying jobs in government."

Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick expressed pride in being part of this initiative, stating it provides students with pathways toward careers in civil service. He highlighted the importance of educating future leaders in cybersecurity.

New York State Senator Mario Mattera praised the program as a significant step forward, noting that it not only funds education but also builds a skilled workforce essential for national security. He encouraged students to seize this opportunity.

New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood also supported Gillibrand’s initiative, recognizing its role in enhancing cybersecurity capabilities and defending digital infrastructure.

Students interested in applying can visit www.gillibrand.senate.gov/cyberacademy for more information. The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is February 1, 2025.