The National Information Assurance Training and Education Center Program

Come Join the Best Scholarship for Service Program in the Nation

The National Science Foundation and the Department of Homeland Security sponsor the Scholarship for Service (SFS) program administered through the National Information Assurance Training and Education Center (NIATEC). Competitively selected NIATEC students are offered scholarships in exchange for helping to design safeguards for cyber security threats in government. Upon graduation, students will often serve at federal agencies such as the FBI. As part of their scholarship, students receive numerous benefits including a $32,000 yearly stipend, paid tuition and fees and necessary allowances for professional development and textbooks.

“[Students have many] experiential learning opportunities including handling classified material for cyber war simulations. We have even offered international simulations to support components of Hawaii, Washington and California National Guards. Since the program’s inception, we have had 100 percent job placement for our graduates.” -Dr. Corey Schou, NIATEC Director

Scholarship Benefits

The program includes many benefits:

  • A graduate student will be paid a stipend of $34,000 per year.
  • Each student will be assigned to exploratory research projects investigating issues related to large externally funded projects. Additional academic year funding may be available to most students involved in these projects.
  • All applicable tuition and fees, including any out-of-state and graduate student fees, will be paid on behalf of the scholarship recipients. This support is provided in addition to the stipend and includes:
    • Paid graduate tuition
    • Health insurance coverage up to $2,000 annually
    • Professional development allowance
    • Book allowance
    • Access to extensive alumni network

The Information Assurance Program (IAP), (colloquially known as the NIATEC Program) at Idaho State University is the home for the Scholarship For Service (CyberCorps).

Information Assurance is important for defending critical infrastructure worldwide. The IAP defines new directions and leads students to the beginning of a life-long learning process that helps them continually define their future. The IAP program emphasizes Information Systems and security skills in all organizations and many technical disciplines. Graduates from the IAP are information systems professionals with a broad spectrum of both technical and managerial skills. They use these skills to integrate information from seemingly disparate disciplines such as national security affairs, information systems, computer science, business, and operations analysis; into a coherent plan to support enterprise operations.

All IAP students are aware of the full spectrum of threats and vulnerabilities in information systems. They are skilled at protecting data, information, and the means of processing them. They recognize that Information Assurance is more than technical solutions. Information Assurance is a defense in depth that balances Technology, Policy and Practice, Awareness, and Training and Education. The students apply this knowledge through industry best practices and the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

All students in the Idaho State University program are aware of principles and practices in Information Assurance. Information Systems majors are provided with introductory skills and abilities to design and execute Information Assurance procedures and practices. A student choosing to emphasize Information Assurance or to seek Center for National Security Systems (CNSS) certifications, develop a full repertoire of skills ranging from Systems Administration to Senior Systems Management and Certification.

Each year, the program develops a group of highly motivated, educated Information Systems professionals who are knowledgeable in the principles of Information Assurance. The program goal is to reduce vulnerability in our National Information Infrastructure by promoting higher education in Information Assurance and producing a growing number of professionals with Information Assurance expertise in many disciplines.

The overall quality of our program is demonstrated through our selection as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Computer Security Education and as a National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service school. Our Scholarship for Service program graduates are now serving in management roles for all branches of the federal government. Several are serving on many different information assurance industry advisory and certification boards.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • 3.3 or greater grade point average for undergraduate students
  • 3.5 or greater grade point average for graduate level students
  • Must be a United States citizen - Not a dual National
  • Must be accepted into Idaho State University MBA Program as full-time student (Other programs accepted with prior approval)
  • Scholarship for Service/NIATEC Participants Shall:

  • Pursue an academic program in Information Assurance or computer security at their home institution or through consortium registration at one of the partner institutions
  • Participate in two years of study and related activities in Information Assurance or computer security
  • maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA and receive no grade letter marks "C" or below
  • Participate actively in an internship/practicum within the National Information Assurance Training and Education Center (NIATEC) to gain experience in Information Assurance for 20-40 hours a week on average
  • Receive an annual stipend of $34,000 for graduate students
  • Seek and participate in a paid summer Information Assurance internship with a federal agency at the end of their first year
  • Upon graduation be required to work for a federal agency for two years in fulfillment of their Federal Cyber Service commitment
  • How to Apply

    NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) FEDERAL CYBER SERVICE: SCHOLARSHIP FOR SERVICE APPLICATION:

    • Fill out the application form: Application Form
    • Prepare your personal statement (See intrucitons on page 2 of the application)
    • Receive two letters of recommendation: Recommendation Form
    • Prepare academic transcripts
    • Send applicaiton material to niatec@niatec.isu.edu and flowkay@niatec.isu.edu
    • Mail offical academic transcripts and letters of recommendation to:
      • NIATEC Program (C/O Kay FLowers)
                Idaho State University
                921 South 8th Avenue
                  Campus Stop 8332
                Pocatello, Idaho, 83209
               United States of America

    For those wishing to apply, all application documentation should be received by May 31st at 11:59PM Mountain Time for acceptance to the following fall semester. For any questions or concerns regarding the appliaction process, please contact the Cyber Range Director by email niatec@niatec.isu.edu or by phone at (208) 282-3563.