The Computer Science and Information Systems & Cyber Security Departments at The University of Texas at San Antonio have been awarded a National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service grant to educate graduate and undergraduate students in the areas of computer and cyber security. The grant provides funds for a limited number of students to obtain 1-, 2-, or 3-year scholarships. The majority of the scholarships will be awarded to individuals within two years of graduation.

The Scholarship for Service (SFS) program is funded by NSF and provides support for individuals pursuing a computer or cyber security program. It requires the recipient to work for a federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government for one year for every year of funding received.

• View a video record of the 2023 information session. • View a slide deck of the 2023 information session.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled on a full-time basis as an undergraduate or graduate student and be actively pursuing a major degree, minor degree, or concentration in computer or cyber security at UTSA.
• Must be within two years of completion of your current degree program. A limited number of 1- or 3-year scholarships may be considered, but preference will be given to students with two years remaining in their degree program.
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty members at UTSA or another institution for transfer students.
• Must have a minimum of a 2.8 GPA (undergraduate) or 3.2 GPA (graduate).
• Ability to obtain a U.S. high level security clearance is strongly preferred
• Must be able to meet the criteria for U.S. federal employment.

Benefits

• The SFS program will support two full semesters (Fall and Spring) per year of scholarship awarded. The scholarship should coincide with the last years of a student’s degree program.
• An annual academic stipend will be provided of $25,000 (undergraduate) or $34,000 (graduate).
• Annual support for books, health insurance, and travel to a conference for professional development are also included for both undergraduates and graduates.
• Tuition support will typically be provided for up to 15 hours per semester (undergraduate) or 9 hours per semester (graduate).

Service Commitment

• One year of employment with a government agency for every year of scholarship support. Executive Branch Federal Agencies (such as the FBI, CIA, NSA, DoD, DOE, or DOJ) are preferred. All other government jobs require additional approval.
• The student will be responsible to apply for and obtain a position to fulfill this service obligation. (The SFS program and the Computer Science Department will provide help in identifying employment opportunities.)

How to Apply – Instructions for UTSA Students

• Required documents
  • Completed application
  • Two Letters of recommendation
  • College transcripts (student versions permitted)
  • A personal statement that includes your goals and career plans
  • Copy of your resume (no more than two pages)
• Go to the UTSA Scholarship Hub to complete the application and upload the required documents by the application deadline.

How to Apply – Instructions for Students who Applied to UTSA for Fall 2023 but Do Not Have a Student ID Yet

• Required documents
  • Completed application
  • Two Letters of recommendation
  • College transcripts (student versions permitted)
  • A personal statement that includes your goals and career plans
  • Copy of your resume (no more than two pages)
• Email the complete packet of required documents to cs@utsa.edu by the application deadline.

Review and Notification

• Applicants will be reviewed by the Scholarships Committee.
• Successful applicants will be notified by email and mail.