To amend the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 to make improvements to the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program, and for other purposes.
Impact
If passed, this legislation could substantially influence state and federal educational funding frameworks. By extending scholarship durations, the bill increases the incentive for prospective students to enter cybersecurity-related fields, which could alleviate workforce shortages in this critical area. This may lead to an uptick in enrollment in cybersecurity programs, particularly at institutions that participate in the scholarship program. The availability of enhanced financial support may also enable a more diverse group of students to pursue careers in cybersecurity, fostering greater inclusivity within this sector.
Summary
House Bill 10209 seeks to amend the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014, specifically targeting the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program. The bill proposes significant changes to extend the duration of service scholarships from three years to five years. This amendment aims to enhance the program by providing more robust support for students pursuing cybersecurity education, thereby addressing the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in both governmental and private sectors. Such adjustments are viewed as vital to cultivating a workforce prepared to tackle increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Contention
While there seems to be broad support for the goals of improving cybersecurity training, some opposition may arise concerning the implications for federal budgets and the efficacy of extending scholarship terms. Critics may argue that such changes could lead to higher long-term costs for the federal government, or create disparities in funding across different educational institutions. The debate around these issues could be crucial as stakeholders examine the balance between necessary investment in cybersecurity education and the associated financial implications for taxpayers.
This bill makes certain changes to the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program, including increasing available scholarship amounts to cover up to five years of eligible tuition. The program offers scholarships to students pursuing higher education in cybersecurity and related fields, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and aerospace. Under current law, the scholarship covers up to three years of tuition. Recipients must generally commit to work in cybersecurity for a government agency or institution of higher education following completion of their degree program for a period equivalent to the duration of the scholarship. If a recipient fails to fulfill the postgraduation work requirements, some or all of the scholarship must be repaid or treated as a loan. The bill also provides statutory authority for the National Science Foundation to treat as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan the full amount of any scholarship award that is treated as a loan. Under current law, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are subject to certain conditions (e.g., interest rates and repayment schedules) and are eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
A bill to direct the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to establish a K-12 Cybersecurity Technology Improvement Program, and for other purposes.