University of Central Arkansas · ARISE CyberAI Scholarship for Service
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Scholarship for Service ARISE CyberAI SFS
NSF Scholarship for Service Pathway

Prepare for a cybersecurity career in government service.

ARISE CyberAI SFS is a proposed scholarship pathway for eligible students who want strong preparation in cybersecurity, applied AI, hands-on learning, faculty mentoring, and structured transition into qualifying government cybersecurity careers.

Apply Now Check Eligibility
Up to 3 Years Scholarship support may be provided for up to three years, depending on pathway and entry point.
Annual Stipend Support includes an annual stipend along with tuition, fees, and related academic support.
BS, BS-MS, and MS Eligible undergraduate, accelerated BS-MS, and master’s students may participate.
Internship + Service The pathway includes internship preparation and post-graduation government service obligations.
ARISE CyberAI students and learning environment alt="Students working together with laptops in a collaborative academic setting" />
Notice: The ARISE CyberAI SFS program is pending funding through NSF Program Solicitation NSF 26-503. Content on this site reflects the proposed program as described in the submitted proposal.

Why apply to ARISE?

ARISE is designed for students who want financial support, structured preparation, practical experience, and a clear pathway into cybersecurity careers that serve the public interest.

Financial Support

Receive meaningful support while focusing on your education

The proposed support model includes full tuition and fees, an annual stipend, books and supplies, professional travel including the SFS Job Fair, and cybersecurity certification preparation.

Applied Preparation

Gain practical experience before graduation

Students are expected to build readiness through coursework, labs, projects, faculty mentoring, internship pathways, and structured professional development connected to cybersecurity careers.

Career Pathway

Prepare for qualifying government cybersecurity service

The program is designed to help students prepare for internships, the CyberAI SFS Job Fair, federal hiring processes, and transition into qualifying government cybersecurity positions.

Who should explore this opportunity?

ARISE may be a strong fit for students who want to combine academic rigor, applied cybersecurity preparation, and public-service career goals.

  • Eligible undergraduate students in approved pathways
  • Eligible accelerated BS-MS students
  • Eligible master’s students in approved pathways
  • Students interested in cybersecurity-focused public service
  • Students who are prepared for internship and government service expectations
View Eligibility Requirements

Detailed GPA, class-standing, citizenship, and participation requirements are available on the Requirements page.

Students collaborating in cybersecurity and computing alt="University students collaborating in a classroom or lab environment" />

What the program offers

ARISE combines financial support, mentoring, professional development, internship pathways, research opportunities, and government-career preparation into one coordinated student experience.

  • Full tuition and fees
  • Annual stipend
  • Books and supplies support
  • Professional travel including the SFS Job Fair
  • Cybersecurity certification preparation

Support duration depends on academic level at entry and pathway structure.

What students should understand

  • This is a scholarship-for-service pathway, not a general scholarship alone
  • Internship participation is an important part of the pathway
  • Government service after graduation is required
  • Students should think carefully about government employment and clearance-related readiness
Important: Scholars are required to complete one year of full-time employment in a qualifying government cybersecurity position for each year of scholarship support received. If the required service is not completed, the scholarship may become a repayment obligation similar to a student loan.

What students can expect

Faculty mentoring

Work closely with faculty through advising, academic planning, research engagement, internship preparation, and professional development.

Hands-on learning

Participate in labs, projects, applied cybersecurity activities, internship pathways, and other structured experiences that strengthen technical depth and workplace readiness.

Government-career readiness

Build readiness for résumé development, interview preparation, the CyberAI SFS Job Fair, federal hiring processes, and qualifying government cybersecurity roles.

Interested in the ARISE CyberAI SFS opportunity?

Review the requirements carefully, understand the internship and service commitments, and begin preparing your application materials.

Review Requirements Application Guidance Read FAQs