Cyber Scholars Program

About the Program

The goal of the UMBC Cyber Scholars Program is to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science professionals in an increasingly digital age, with a focus on increasing the participation and success of women and other underrepresented groups in this fast-growing field.

The UMBC Cyber Scholars Program is directed by the UMBC Cybersecurity Institute and run in partnership with UMBC’s Center for Women in Technology (CWIT). The program was started in 2013 through a generous $1 million grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation. 

The program has a goal to support 15 to 20 scholars annually. Scholars are supported financially and incorporated into a scholarship community that includes special on-campus housing, unique courses, mentoring, and the chance to take part in cybersecurity research and internships early in their academic careers.

 

Scholarships
UMBC Cyber Scholars are awarded $5,000- $15,000 per year.

Community
The scholarship is more than a financial award; it is a program that fosters a community through common on-campus living-learning housing for freshman Scholars, events, and activities. Cyber Scholars will learn from and support one another throughout their college careers, and from core interaction with UMBC faculty and mentors.

Academics
As freshmen, Cyber Scholars will take a special introductory seminar. Students will also complete a track or certificate within their major related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or data science. 

Internships & Research
During their time in the program, Cyber Scholars will take part in at least one targeted cybersecurity, AI, or data science-related internship at a company or government organization. Students may also choose to participate in faculty-led research labs at UMBC or other institutions.

Mentoring 
Every Cyber Scholar is also assigned a peer mentor, faculty mentor, and industry mentor during their time in the program and will meet one-on-one monthly with a staff member of the program to stay on track with classes, job searches, and other areas.

Who Should Apply

  • Incoming UMBC freshmen
  • Current UMBC undergraduate students
  • Transfer students from other colleges

Students of all genders who want to pursue careers in cybersecurity, AI, and/or data science are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have at least a 3.25 G.P.A.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following materials. Incoming students must apply to UMBC first and use the assigned campus ID number to access the application in Scholarship Retriever.

  • Cyber Application (submitted via Scholarship Retriever)
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (optional; submitted via Scholarship Retriever)

When to Apply

  • Incoming freshman deadline: January 1
  • Incoming transfer and continuing UMBC student deadline: March 1

Be A Cyber Affiliate

Students who are not in the Cyber Scholars Program, but are majoring in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Systems and have an interest in cybersecurity, are encouraged to register as Cyber Affiliates.

Questions about the Cyber Scholars Program?  Contact Cindy Greenwood, Associate Director, at cindyg@umbc.edu or (410) 455-3881.