Gillibrand visits UB to promote cybersecurity scholarship

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand visited UB on Monday to highlight her visionary Cyber Service Academy scholarship program, and to celebrate the university’s critical role in educating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

President Satish K. Tripathi welcomed Gillibrand and underscored the increasing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding national and global systems.

“As a university dedicated to harnessing our education, research and scholarship for the public good, we appreciate Sen. Gillibrand’s commitment to help the next generation of cybersecurity professionals make a positive impact,” Tripathi said.

Gillibrand created the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program through her work on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“Cyberthreats are one of the most pressing challenges of our time,” Gillibrand said. “We need passionate and skilled individuals, like those here at UB, to step into these vital roles to protect our country.”

With nearly 30,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions at the Department of Defense (DoD), Gillibrand stressed that it is essential that the U.S. create a pipeline for a talented, highly trained workforce to address these critical vulnerabilities in national security.

“We urgently need to attract the next generation of cybersecurity and technology professionals to help keep our government safe,” Gillibrand said. “Through partnerships with universities like UB, we are preparing students to tackle these threats head-on,” she emphasized.

During her visit to UB, Gillibrand outlined the scholarship program, which she described as an ROTC-type program for cybersecurity. The scholarship would allow participants to receive tuition-free education in exchange for service within the DoD or intelligence community, with opportunities to extend their involvement up to five years. Successful applicants will serve one year in the DoD or intelligence community for every year of their education.

“My next goal is to eventually create a brick-and-mortar unit, like West Point or the Air Force Academy. In the meantime, we have 24 schools in New York State who are already participating, and over 600 nationwide,” Gillibrand said.

Students who are eligible for the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program must be:

• 18 years of age or older.
• A citizen of the United States.
• Have completed the first year of an associate’s degree, or the first two years of an undergraduate degree program or a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Enrolled in or applying to universities designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in cybersecurity and pursuing a course of study in one of the scientific, technical or managerial disciplines related to cyber.
  

Kemper Lewis, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, lauded Gillibrand’s initiative, emphasizing UB’s longstanding leadership in cybersecurity education and research.

“For over 20 years, UB’s Center of Excellence in Information Systems Assurance Research and Education has been a national leader, producing specialists who now serve in agencies like the FBI, CIA and Department of Homeland Security,” Lewis said. "Sen. Gillibrand’s program aligns seamlessly with our mission to strengthen the nation’s defense and expand our talented workforce.”

UB’s commitment extends beyond traditional education. The university’s recently established Center for Space Cyber Strategy and Cybersecurity is the only academic center in the U.S. focusing on securing satellite systems, GPS constellations and other space-based assets critical to national defense.

Ananth Iyer, dean of the School of Management, highlighted the university’s interdisciplinary approach to cybersecurity education. “Our collaboration with the School of Engineering allows us to address both the technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity,” Iyer said. “Through undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as hands-on boot camps, we’re equipping students with the tools needed to protect digital and physical assets.”

Kevin Cleary, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Management Science and Systems, underscored the dynamic nature of cybersecurity threats. “This field evolves daily, requiring agile and adaptive programs,” Cleary said. “Sen. Gillibrand’s support is paramount in fostering the partnerships and policies needed to expand the talent pipeline.”

The Cyber Service Academy scholarship program, set to offer 1,000 scholarships nationwide for the 2025-26 academic year, is a key part of this strategy. “This initiative will allow us to attract, educate and graduate more students into a field where demand far outpaces supply,” Cleary added.

With its nationally recognized programs and innovative partnerships, UB continues to serve as a vital hub for cybersecurity education and research, shaping the future of this critical field.

Gillibrand called on UB students to rise to the challenge in addressing cyber threats. “Your skills and perspectives are essential,” she said. “We need you to join this mission and help protect our country.”

For more information on the Cyber Service Academy scholarship program, visit Gillibrand’s Senate website. Applications close Feb. 1.