Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus has received a $1.85 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to fund full-ride scholarships for students pursuing cybersecurity careers, school officials announced Monday.
The grant, awarded through the Cyber Service Academy, will provide four to five students each year with full tuition coverage and living stipends over the next five years. In return, scholarship recipients must commit to working in cyber intelligence and defense roles for the DOD after graduation.
The initiative aims to address a nationwide shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals—currently estimated at around 500,000 open positions, according to the DOD.
“A key reason for winning this award is the confidence the Cyber Service Academy has in our students,” said Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya, chair of Embry-Riddle’s Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security. “This award showcases Embry-Riddle’s national leadership in cybersecurity education and is a major milestone for our department and the Prescott campus.”
Students selected for the program will receive specialized training, mentoring, and hands-on learning in areas such as artificial intelligence security, cyber resilience, and aerospace cybersecurity. They will also gain access to the university’s Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems, which collaborates with government agencies to strengthen digital defenses and develop cyber talent pipelines.
With this latest award, Embry-Riddle has received more than $3.5 million in funding from the Cyber Service Academy over the past five years, further solidifying its role as a national leader in cybersecurity and aerospace education.
