Participants gain hands-on experience in leadership, internships, entrepreneurship, service learning, and portfolio development, ensuring strong preparation for careers across government cybersecurity fields.
Resources
Cybersecurity Career Video Series (Produced by VSGC)
The Cybersecurity Career Video Series produced by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is a collection of short videos that explore the importance of cybersecurity in our networked, data-driven world and the broad range of careers available in the field. In these videos, practicing cybersecurity professionals from different disciplines talk about what they do, share insights from their own career paths, and offer practical advice on how students and aspiring professionals can prepare for a career in cybersecurity, while also pointing viewers to useful resources.
Certification Training
Security+ Exam Preparation Training – A free video-based exam preparation resource offered by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium that helps students and educators build foundational cybersecurity knowledge aligned with the CompTIA Security+ certification. Upon registering, participants gain access to a series of instructional modules covering key topics in network and information security to support readiness for the Security+ exam.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Scholarship Opportunities section highlights financial aid and scholarship programs available to students pursuing cybersecurity and related fields, including federal and institutional awards such as the NSF CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service, Department of Defense scholarship programs, AFCEA scholarships, and other STEM funding opportunities. These resources are provided to help students access financial support, advance their education, and prepare for careers in cybersecurity and technology.
Old Dominion University Cyber LeADERS NSF CyberCorps(C) Scholarship for Service – The Old Dominion University School of Cybersecurity’s Cyber LeADERS Scholars program, funded by the National Science Foundation through the CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service initiative, provides selected students with 2–3 years of financial and professional support in partnership with Virginia Peninsula Community College and Tidewater Community College. In return, recipients commit to working in federal cybersecurity roles for the same length of time they receive funding.
Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program (DoD CySP) –
Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP) is a workforce development initiative that funds cybersecurity education while helping agencies recruit and retain talent. Managed in coordination with the National Security Agency, it offers full tuition, books, and fees for selected students, along with oversight and internship support.
The program supports two tracks: retention, allowing current employees to earn cyber degrees while keeping their salary and returning to a government role, and recruitment, enabling agencies to hire new cybersecurity graduates through a structured selection process. Participating agencies handle application review, clearances, and employment placement, while the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program provides funding and administrative support.
Department of Defense SMART (Science, Math, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship is a funded scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate STEM students. It provides full tuition support, annual stipends, health insurance, and internship opportunities with the DoD. In return, scholars commit to working for the Department of Defense in a STEM role after graduation, gaining valuable research and professional experience while contributing to national security.
AFCEA Scholarships – AFCEA Scholarships are competitive awards offered through AFCEA International to support students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), cybersecurity, intelligence, and related fields. These scholarships help cover tuition and educational expenses and aim to encourage the next generation of professionals in technology and national security–related careers.
United States Digital Corps (Internship) – United States Digital Corps (Internship) is a competitive paid internship program designed to bring emerging digital talent into the federal government. It provides students and recent graduates with hands‑on experience working on real public‑sector technology projects, mentorship from government leaders, and professional development opportunities — all aimed at modernizing digital services and advancing careers in public service technology.
Anchor Scholarship Foundation – Scholarships for STEM students meeting specific qualifications. US Navy affiliated.
COVA CCI Information
Links:
White House National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023
White House National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan 2023
National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES-2023.07.31)
CISA Analysis: Fiscal Year 2022 Risk and Vulnerability Assessments
CISA: Phishing Guidance-Stopping the attach cycle at phase one
CISA: Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs)
Federal Trade Commission: Cybersecurity for Small Business
NIST.IR.7621r1 Small Business Information Security – Fundamentals
CCI Information
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is Virginia’s main access point for cybersecurity research, innovation, workforce development, and news. In this community, researchers find funding and collaboration, students discover diverse career possibilities, and new innovations come to life.
