Federal agencies could make better use of a scholarship program designed to create a pipeline of future employees in hard to fill cybersecurity positions, according to a report from the National Academy of Public Administration.
The report examined the Cybercorps: Scholarship for Service program managed by the National Science Foundation, which offers scholarships in return for commitments to work for the federal government after graduation. That program also provides grants to participating schools to improve their instructional programs.
It said that agencies should strengthen the hands-on education component; identify, track and use performance indicators; and expand the program to include qualified two-year programs regardless of their association with a four-year institution.
The report made some similar recommendations concerning a separate program operated by NSA and DHS, the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense. That program similarly promotes higher education in information assurance.
It also recommended reinstating Information Assurance Scholarship Program funding for scholarships and capacity building grants for the DoD workforce.
