Huntsville Leader

Congressmen Dale Strong and Gerry Connolly have reintroduced the CyberCorps Enhancement Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at extending the participation period of the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program from three to five years. This program supports students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM fields and aims to expand the number of specialized cybersecurity professionals.

"North Alabama is a national leader in cybersecurity education," said Congressman Dale W. Strong, highlighting the importance of producing skilled cybersecurity experts. "Strengthening this pipeline is not just about defending our nation against cyber threats—it’s about creating high-paying, high-impact jobs here at home."

The University of Alabama in Huntsville has expressed support for this legislation. Dr. Tommy Morris, director of UAH's Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education, stated that the proposed changes would help attract more doctoral students and enhance national security since recipients are required to work for the federal government upon graduation.

Strong co-led this legislative initiative with Congressman Gerry Connolly. Connolly emphasized the importance of recruiting and retaining talent in critical fields like cybersecurity: "This bipartisan legislation will go a long way toward strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity posture by ensuring we can attract the best of the best to serve our country."

The CyberCorps SFS Program currently provides scholarships for up to three years to students who commit to working in a U.S. government cybersecurity role for an equivalent period after graduation. The proposed enhancements include extending scholarship support from three to five years and clarifying loan repayment terms.

These changes aim to support various degrees focused on cybersecurity areas such as AI, aerospace, and quantum technologies. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) USA supports this legislation.