University of Central Arkansas · ARISE CyberAI Scholarship for Service
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Scholarship for Service ARISE CyberAI SFS
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Program Experience

What students can expect from ARISE

ARISE is designed to combine cybersecurity education, applied AI, research, hands-on learning, mentoring, and structured career preparation into one student-centered pathway for public-service impact.

Up to 3 Years Scholarship support may be provided for up to three years, depending on pathway and entry point.
Annual Stipend The students will receive support which includes an annual stipend along with other academic and professional support.
BS and MS Pathways Eligible undergraduate, accelerated BS-MS, and master’s students may participate.
Internship + Service The pathway includes internship preparation and government service expectations after graduation.
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. Final program activities, scholar support, and expectations will be confirmed if the program is funded.

How the program is designed

ARISE is intended to help students move from strong computing foundations to more advanced preparation in cybersecurity, applied AI, and public-service workforce readiness. The program emphasizes layered learning, research engagement, practical experiences, structured mentoring, and transition into qualifying government careers.

The pathway is designed for eligible students who want more than coursework alone. It combines academic growth, technical preparation, professional development, and service-oriented career planning into one coordinated experience.

ARISE is not limited to undergraduate students. Eligible accelerated BS-MS and master’s students are also part of the proposed pathway.

ARISE CyberAI students and learning environment alt="Students collaborating in an academic environment" />

Scholar support

Financial support

ARISE is designed to provide comprehensive financial support consistent with program guidelines. Proposed support includes full tuition and fees, an annual stipend, and allowances for books and supplies.

Professional support

The program also supports professional travel, including participation in the SFS Job Fair, and preparation for cybersecurity certifications that strengthen career readiness.

Support duration

Scholarships may be provided for up to three years, depending on academic level at entry. The program is expected to include a mix of two- and three-year support durations aligned with undergraduate and accelerated BS-MS pathways.

Student success support

In addition to faculty mentoring and cohort-based support, students may benefit from academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and other university support services that help identify challenges early and support persistence.

Stage What students can expect
Foundational preparation Students build strong preparation through computing, networking, cybersecurity, secure systems, operating systems, software development, data analysis, and related technical foundations.
Cybersecurity and AI integration Students engage with learning experiences that connect artificial intelligence with real cybersecurity problems, including threat analysis, anomaly detection, malware-related analytics, security monitoring, and cyber defense.
Research and applied learning Students may participate in faculty-mentored research, projects, cyber exercises, and other applied experiences that strengthen both technical and analytical skills.
Internship and workforce preparation Students prepare for internships, mentoring activities, professional development, and workforce transition through guided career preparation.
Government career transition Students build readiness for the SFS Job Fair and transition into qualifying government cybersecurity careers after graduation.

Key parts of the student experience

Cybersecurity-focused learning

Students explore how AI and data-driven methods support cybersecurity tasks such as anomaly detection, vulnerability analysis, malware-related analytics, security monitoring, and cyber defense.

Research and innovation

Students may engage in faculty-mentored research in cybersecurity analytics, applied AI, secure systems, software, and other emerging topics relevant to cyber defense and public-service needs.

Professional development

ARISE is designed to support growth through mentoring, seminars, technical activities, certification preparation, job fair readiness, and broader professional development.

ARISE CyberAI students and learning environment alt="Students working together with laptops in a university setting" />

Placement and career preparation

ARISE provides structured placement support through participation in the CyberAI SFS Job Fair, faculty mentoring on federal hiring processes, résumé and interview preparation, and targeted internship pathways that support transition into government employment.

Scholars will also receive guidance related to security clearance processes and federal hiring documentation, including awareness of materials such as SF-86 and other expectations that may apply to government positions.

Cohort and mentoring model

The program is designed to support students through faculty mentoring, peer learning, shared development activities, and a strong sense of scholarly and professional community.

What students may gain

Students may gain stronger technical depth, applied experience, research confidence, internship readiness, and a clearer pathway toward qualifying government-focused cybersecurity careers.

Important consideration: ARISE is a scholarship-for-service pathway, not simply a general scholarship. 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.

Want to see whether ARISE matches your goals?

Review the eligibility requirements, explore the application process, and contact the program if you have questions about fit, preparation, academic pathways, or service obligations.

View Requirements See How to Apply Contact the Program