The 2023-2024 Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program application is OPEN.
The Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program supports students who are pursuing an education in programs that have been identified by the Secretary of Higher Education as being directly relevant to cybersecurity.
Submit all required documents to MHEC by SECURE UPLOAD online through your MDCAPS account. Once logged in, select “Electronic File Upload” from the homepage then follow the prompts.
Who May Apply?
Individuals currently enrolled at public or private non-profit institutions in the state who are within three years of graduation from an approved, credit-bearing degree in cybersecurity or an approved, credit-bearing certificate program in cybersecurity must:.
- Have at least a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 at the time of application.
- Be enrolled full-time or part time at a public or a private non-profit institution in the state in an approved credit-bearing degree or an approved credit- bearing certificate program.
- Have completed at least 25% of their total credit requirement toward their approved degree or certificate program. (Ex. If you need 120 credits to graduate you must have completed at least 30 credits at the time of application.)
Applicants who have received the Federal Cyber Corps Scholarships for Service award are not eligible to apply.
How to apply
Complete the Cybersecurity application on MDCAPS and submit all required documents, which include:
Eligible Majors and Programs
View a list of all eligible programs for consideration for this scholarship. Students not enrolled in one of the approved programs are ineligible for the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship program.
Award Selection & Award Amount
The award amount of the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship award shall be in the amount prescribed by MHEC and may be used to pay for education expenses as defined by MHEC, including:
- Tuition and mandatory fees; and
- Room and board.
Renewal Requirements- Continues to be eligible for in-state tuition.
- Continues to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Maintains a grade point average of at least a 3.0 GPA.
Full-time students may renew the award for an additional two years and part time students may renew the award for an additional 5 years if the individual:
- Continues to enroll as a full-time or part-time student.
Important Deadlines
The deadline to submit the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program application and all required documentation has been extended to July 15, 2023.
Employment Obligation
Recipients of the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship award must sign an agreement to work in the state in the cybersecurity field for a:
1. A. Local education agency or
B. Public high school or
C. Community college
2. A Unit of:
A. State government or
B. County government or
C. City or municipal government
3. Teach in the state in an education program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity in:
A. A public high school or
B. A community college
The award will convert into a loan payable to the state if the student fails to adhere to the following:
- Completes an approved program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity at an eligible institution.
- Performs the work obligation as required.
