NSF Cybersecurity Project

NSF Cybersecurity Project

Cybersecurity Workforce: Bridging the Gap

This project, funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to increase both the number of skilled cybersecurity professionals throughout Southern Maryland and improve representation in the field for a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences.

We hope to attract a diverse group of students that is inclusive with regard to age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, county of residence, military service, socioeconomic status, disability, and more. If you have an interest in preventing and defending against the next generation of cyberthreats, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility and Selection

The application process is competitive, and participation will be limited to 20 students for the Fall 2021 Semester. Depending on the number of applications, priority will be given to students who are under-represented in cyber careers and those who have traditionally been under-served within higher education.

To qualify, you must:

• Have applied and been admitted to CSM as of the start of the Fall 2021 Semester.

•  Declare Cybersecurity, AAS as your program. 

•  Enroll full time at CSM for the Fall 2021 Semester (minimum of 12 credits).

Project Benefits

Applicants selected for the program will receive, at no cost:

• A free computer to assist you in your cybersecurity coursework.

• Career networking opportunities to interact with cybersecurity professionals in government and industry.

• Field trips to cyber organizations of interest in Southern Maryland and around the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

• Certification prep bootcamps to help you prepare for and pass industry certifications, such as CompTIA Security+.

• Entry to cybersecurity competitions where you can apply your skills and network with peers from other colleges and universities.

Application Process

The priority deadline to apply is Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Applications may be accepted after this date as space allows. To apply, please complete the following steps:

• Apply to CSM if you are a new student.
• Declare Cybersecurity, AAS as your program or state your intention to do so in your application. Current CSM students enrolled in other programs may either add Cybersecurity, AAS as a second program or change to Cybersecurity.
• Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2021-22 school year. You must include CSM’s federal school code (002064) on your FAFSA.
• Complete the NSF Project Application Form online. You’ll be asked for some general information about yourself, and you’ll need to submit a personal essay of 400 to 500 words. Introduce yourself and your background, and explain your interest in cybersecurity and how you expect to benefit from being selected for this project.

If you’re selected to participate, you’ll receive an email from us with a Certification Statement that you’ll need to sign and return.