CyberCorps Scholarship for Service: Defending Cyberspace through Active Learning

特拉华大学(UD)的UDare网络服务奖学金(SFS)计划将推进网络安全教育，培养一支熟练的劳动力队伍，为联邦、州、地方和部落安全部门的关键角色服务培养高素质的网络安全专业人员。这个SFS项目将从UD广泛的网络安全学位课程中培养20名本科生和硕士学生，采用多方面的方法进行专业发展。SFS学者将通过研究、多样化的充实活动和实习，沉浸在严格的学术培训和实践经验中。此外，UDare计划将通过积极招募和吸收代表不足的群体的成员，包括妇女、残疾个人和少数群体，培养一支多样化的、具有全球竞争力的STEM劳动力队伍。这一全面的培训模式满足了国家对熟练网络安全专业人员的迫切需求，有助于保护美国网络空间免受各种威胁。此外，该项目还提高了公众的网络安全素养，为社会福祉和国家安全做出了重大贡献。UDare计划旨在促进网络安全的理论和实践方面的发展。该计划将向UD网络安全工程本科和研究生网络安全学位项目的学生提供奖学金。这些学生分别由两名教师指导，确保他们的研究领域有一个全面和多样化的视角。该课程涵盖了网络安全领域的各个专业，包括安全软件、安全系统、安全分析和安全管理，提供了全面的知识库。UDare SFS计划的一个关键组成部分是学生参与尖端研究，通过论文或高级项目记录下来，并参与以网络安全为重点的会议和研讨会。该计划还包括丰富活动，如网络安全学者计划，杰出讲座系列，以及捕获国旗比赛，以提高实践技能和行业准备。一门专门的职业发展课程将为学生在联邦政府的实习经历和最终的就业机会做好准备。最后，一名独立评估员将评估该计划的有效性和影响，确保持续改进和问责。该项目得到了CyberCorps®服务奖学金(SFS)计划的支持，该计划为设立或继续开展网络安全奖学金计划的提案提供资金，并与美国国家网络战略保持一致，以培养一支优秀的网络安全队伍。毕业后，奖学金获得者被要求在联邦、州、地方或部落政府组织的网络安全工作中工作，时间与他们的奖学金支持相同。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The UDare Cyber Scholarships For Service (SFS) program at the University of Delaware (UD) will advance cybersecurity education and cultivate a skilled workforce by preparing highly qualified cybersecurity professionals for service in crucial roles across federal, state, local, and tribal security sectors. This SFS project will prepare twenty undergraduate and Master's students from UD’s broad cybersecurity degree programs, employing a multifaceted approach to professional development. SFS scholars will be immersed in rigorous academic training and practical, hands-on experiences through research, diverse enrichment activities, and internships. Furthermore, the UDare program will foster a diverse and globally competitive STEM workforce by actively recruiting and involving members of underrepresented groups, including women, individuals with disabilities, and minorities. This comprehensive training model addresses a critical national need for skilled cybersecurity professionals, contributing to safeguarding U.S. cyberspace against various threats. In addition, the project enhances public cybersecurity literacy, contributing significantly to societal well-being and national security.The UDare program is designed to advance both the theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity. The program will provide scholarships to students from UD’s undergraduate Cybersecurity Engineering and the graduate Cybersecurity degree programs. These students are guided by two faculty advisors each, ensuring a well-rounded and diverse perspective in their field of study. The curriculum covers various concentrations within cybersecurity, including Secure Software, Secure Systems, Security Analytics, and Security Management, providing a comprehensive knowledge base. A key component of the UDare SFS program is students' engagement in cutting-edge research, documented through thesis or senior projects, and their participation in cybersecurity-focused conferences and workshops. The program also includes enrichment activities like the Cybersecurity Scholars Program, Distinguished Lecture series, and Capture the Flag competitions to enhance practical skills and industry readiness. A specialized Professional Development course will prepare students for internship experiences and eventual job placements within the federal government. Finally, an independent evaluator will assess the program's effectiveness and impact, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability. This project is supported by the CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, which funds proposals establishing or continuing scholarship programs in cybersecurity and aligns with the U.S. National Cyber Strategy to develop a superior cybersecurity workforce. Following graduation, scholarship recipients are required to work in cybersecurity for a federal, state, local, or tribal Government organization for the same duration as their scholarship support.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.