Nightwing Scholarship

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Applications open February 1 - May 1, 2026!

APPLY

Nightwing, in collaboration with the AFCEA Educational Foundation, is offering a $5,000 scholarship to an outstanding student pursuing studies that advance national security within the cyber and intelligence communities.

The Nightwing Scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students attending an accredited community college or four-year college or university. The scholarship will be applied toward the recipient's ongoing tuition.  
 

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in an accredited community college or four-year college or University. Undergraduate students must be in their sophomore, junior, or senior year, or pursuing a Master's degree.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance and an aptitude for STEM-related subjects.
• Be in good standing with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA.
• Qualifying majors include:
  • Cybersecurity
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity Engineering
  • Information Security and Assurance
  • Applied Information Technology/Cybersecurity
  • Cyber Intelligence and Security
  • Cybersecurity Risk Management
  • Intelligence Analysis
  • Artificial Intelligence

Application Process

Applications must include the following materials: 

• A completed application form
• At least one letter of recommendation from a professor at the applicant's current institution
  • Recommenders must their letters in pdf format via email to edfoundation@afcea.org
  • Applicants are responsible for coordinating submission with their recommender
• A brief essay (250 words or less) describing financial need
• Official transcript(s) reflecting all college-level coursework, including the Fall 2025 semester
  • If coursework in progress is not listed, applicants must submit registration documentation showing current enrollment
  • Transcripts must be submitted electronically through the applicant's school to edfoundation@afcea.org
  • If electronic submission is not possible, official documents must be mailed to the address below no later than May 1, 2026. Applications must be complete and include all required supporting documentation.

AFCEA Educational Foundation 
4114 Legato Road, Suite 1000 
Fairfax, VA 22033