James K. Goldston Cybersecurity Scholarship Fund

Name: James K. Goldston Cybersecurity Scholarship Fund

Award Amount: $2,000 (one-year award)

Information And Eligibility:
The James K. Goldston Cybersecurity Scholarship Fund is a targeted academic scholarship administered by the East Tennessee Foundation to support Tennessee students pursuing post-secondary education in computer-related and cybersecurity fields. Established in 2006 by the family of James K. Goldston, this award is designed to provide meaningful financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic promise, financial need, and a clear passion for technology, computer science, cyber science, or cybersecurity. The scholarship particularly encourages applicants who plan to enroll in programs that lead to careers in critical sectors of the digital economy — including secure systems design, network protection, ethical hacking, information assurance, and cyber threat defense.

Award recipients receive a $2,000 scholarship payable for one academic year to help cover essential college expenses such as tuition, required fees, textbooks, lab materials, and other costs related to their degree program. While the award is for a single year, recipients may reapply for consideration in subsequent years if they maintain eligibility and continue to meet requirements. The scholarship is part of a suite of awards available through the East Tennessee Foundation’s common application process, which opens annually on December 15 and closes on March 15.

The selection process takes a holistic view of each applicant’s qualifications. In addition to academic performance and financial need, the committee values demonstrated interest in cybersecurity and related fields. Students enrolled or intending to enroll in programs designated as NSA National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-Cybersecurity) at participating Tennessee colleges and universities may be especially competitive. These institutions include Jackson State Community College, Lemoyne-Owen College, Roane State Community College, Tennessee Technological University, University of Memphis, and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be enrolled full time as a student attending a Tennessee college or university.
• Must plan to study computer science, computer engineering, cyber science, cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must demonstrate financial need.

Application Requirements:

• Completed East Tennessee Foundation Common Scholarship Application.
• Official academic transcript.
• Personal statement or essay describing interest in cybersecurity or related fields.
• Documentation of financial need.
• Letters of recommendation, if required by the foundation’s process.

Deadline: March 15

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