Cyber Scholars Converge on Washington, Prepare to Defend the Nation's Digital Frontlines
July 24, 2025 | By DOD Chief Information Officer's Office |
Fifty top university and college cyber scholars from nearly 30 states and U.S. territories gathered at George Washington University's Science and Engineering Hall for the Defense Department Cyber Service Academy boot camp, July 21-22, 2025.
A man wearing a business suit stands in front of a room with a microphone. There is a projection screen behind him and a group of people in front of him.
The event served as a two-day orientation for students selected through the highly competitive DOD CSA scholarship program, which supports their academic and professional journey toward becoming the next generation of cyber defenders. Nearly 30 professors from designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity institutions were also in attendance.
Administered by the DOD Chief Information Officer, the DOD CSA, formerly the DOD Cyber Scholarship Program, was established over 20 years ago to help recruit and retain skilled cyber professionals capable of securing the nation's critical infrastructure.
According to the DOD CSA's website, as the nation becomes more reliant on cyber and information technology systems, its adversaries are developing increasingly sophisticated methods to target them. DOD CSA Program Manager Alice Smitley has supported the program since 2003. Smitley, along with the assistance of George Washington University, organized this year's boot camp to orient new scholars.
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4254688/cyber-scholars-converge-on-washington-prepare-to-defend-the-nations-digital-fro/
