Fifty top university and college cyber scholars from nearly 30 states and U.S. territories gathered at George Washington University's Science and Engineering Hall for the Defense Department Cyber Service Academy boot camp, July 21-22, 2025.
The event served as a two-day orientation for students selected through the highly competitive DOD CSA scholarship program, which supports their academic and professional journey toward becoming the next generation of cyber defenders. Nearly 30 professors from designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity institutions were also in attendance.
Administered by the DOD Chief Information Officer, the DOD CSA, formerly the DOD Cyber Scholarship Program, was established over 20 years ago to help recruit and retain skilled cyber professionals capable of securing the nation's critical infrastructure.
According to the DOD CSA's website, as the nation becomes more reliant on cyber and information technology systems, its adversaries are developing increasingly sophisticated methods to target them. DOD CSA Program Manager Alice Smitley has supported the program since 2003. Smitley, along with the assistance of George Washington University, organized this year's boot camp to orient new scholars.
"The boot camp is intended for new scholars to learn the ins and outs of the program," Smitley explained. "They receive paid tuition, stipends and have a job waiting when they graduate. We underscore the significance of this program and the impact they will have on our national cyber mission."
To qualify, students must be U.S. citizens enrolled at an NCAE-C designated institution, pursuing a cybersecurity-related degree, with at least one academic year remaining. A faculty recommendation is also required.
Scholars receive full tuition, a stipend, book allowances and travel support, and typically complete at least one paid summer internship with a hiring DOD agency. In exchange, they commit to one year of civilian employment for each year the scholarship was received.
In addition to qualifying for this program, the selection process is extremely selective. Out of nearly 700 applications, the 50 new scholars represent a 7% selection rate.
Mark Gorak, director of the DOD's Cyber Academic Engagement Office and principal director for resources and analysis for the DOD CIO, opened the boot camp by thanking both students and faculty for their commitment to serving the nation.
He echoed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks that the DOD needs to fill vacant cyber positions by "identifying, recruiting and empowering the best talent to build a cyber workforce that is highly skilled, agile and mission ready."
"There are more than 500,000 open cyber positions nationwide, both private and public. While the DOD employs about 250,000 military, civilian and contractor cyber professionals, we are still short by roughly 20,000," Gorak said, adding, "This is not just an opportunity — it's a calling. You are the future, and the agencies that selected you are eager to bring your talents into their missions."
Gorak said he wants to significantly expand the program as more resources become available, and Smitley believes the boot camp is critical in helping scholars stay focused and equipped for the road ahead.
"I believe this is one of the best programs out there for the cyber community," she said. "The whole point of the boot camp is to ensure [the students] understand what's expected, what benefits are available and that we are here to support them in their path to becoming a cyber professional and defending this great nation."