The DoD CySP will provide graduate and undergraduate students scholarships for financial support, and the adequate academic guidance required for graduate and undergraduate students to obtain their degree. In addition, the involvement of students in research provides new ideas, research directions, and momentum. Students selected for the CySP will be provided with a lap-top, workspace, and state-of-the-art equipment available at the Electric and Computer Engineering and Computer Science (ECECS) Department and laboratories. These facilities will enable these students to excel in their studies.

Internships and placement are a critical component of the CySP. All Scholars will be required to join a summer internship research opportunity at a DoD facility to sharpen their qualifications and prepare themselves to accept employment with the DoD after graduation.

The internship will give students the opportunity to increase their cybersecurity skills and knowledge. Selecting agencies will also provide sponsors who will maintain contact with the student during the scholarship period, and who will facilitate the student’s entry into internships, if applicable, and eventually into DoD employment.

To be eligible for the DoD CySP the candidates must have passed the initial screening criteria from the Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science Department (ECECS) Department:

• be an American citizen at the time of application
• be 18 years old or older
• GPA of 3.20/3.50 minimum at the undergraduate/graduate level respectively.
• Be enrolled in a Bachelor, Master or Doctoral Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Be available to work a paid summer internship at a federal agency.
• Be willing to serve a year in a DoD Agency for each full or partial year of academic support.

To apply the student must submit:

• The Application Form (10 pages)
• An official academic transcript of undergraduate and/or graduate studies
• An electronic resume (2 pages)
• List apart awards, honors, and distinctions (1 page).
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Fill Supplementary Competency Statement (OF612)

(Stipends) – The stipend levels are $25,000 for undergraduate students and $30,000 for graduate (Master’s/PhD) students per year.

(Tuition and fees) – DoD-CySP Scholars receive full cost of tuition and fees at a rate of 27 credits per year for graduates and up to 45 credits per year for undergraduates.

(Books) – CySP Scholars will receive support for books required for the courses.

(Laptops) – Scholars will receive funding to buy a laptop.

(Health care) – Scholars may receive up to $3,000 a year to cover medical insurance.

(Travel) – is available for students to attend cybersecurity conferences.

PUPR was re-designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Information Assurance (CAE CD/IA) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (NSA/DHS) 2015-2020. PUPR is proud to be the first CAE in Puerto Rico, and one of the very few Hispanic Serving Institutions that has obtained the designation in the USA. Efforts are being made to acquire the new CAE in Cyber Defense Education (CAE CDE) designation for 2021-2026.