Defense Civilian Training Corps
The Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) is an ROTC-like program designed to strengthen the supply side of the DoD civilian talent pipeline with new civilian professionals prepared with DoD critical skills education; leadership and internship development through hands-on projects; multidisciplinary teamwork experience; and security clearances. DCTC scholars will be ready day one to support current and future complex DoD national security demands.
OBJECTIVES
DCTC provides a comprehensive development and scholarship-for-service program for selected students to earn a bachelor’s degree and prepare them to be future leaders within the DoD ecosystem. While in school, DCTC scholars engage in active learning in the classroom, take on immersive learning challenges to solve real-life problems, and participate in project-based summer internships.
MISSION
The DCTC integrated curriculum and development program provides scholars from a broad array of majors across the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), finance, business, law, and policy fields with the critical skills and experiences needed to jump-start a career in the civilian acquisition workforce. DCTC is designed to provide a multidisciplinary cohort-based learning environment, match scholars to a project-based summer internship with DoD organizations, facilitate a security clearance before graduation, and establish a pathway to employment.
- 100% tuition + fees + stipend
- Summer Internship placement at DOD organizations, labs and other federal agencies
- Cohort 0 Scholars will have a role in shaping the future DCTC Program as it expands to universities nationwide.
- Job placement, career development for success and future pathways across:
- DOD organizations and laboratories, other federal agencies; start-ups, industry, academia
- Gain practical knowledge and skills for successful application of major field in real world institutions and challenges:
- Multidisciplinary teaming
- Organizational leadership skills
- Change management & transformation skills
- DCTC Phase 0 Pilot scholarships are open to students who begin their junior year Fall 2024
- U.S. Citizenship required; Apply for a Security Clearance during your undergrad period.
- There is no service obligation associated with the DCTC Phase 0 Pilot program.
- Acceptable majors include but are not limited to:
- Business
- Acquisition
- Digital Technology
- Emerging Technologies
- Engineering
- Science
- Finance and Budgeting
Applicants are required to submit their application for the Defense Civilian Training Corps(DCTC) online by March 31, 2024, at 11:59pm EST. Before the end of the Spring 2024 semester, successful applicants will receive a tentative offer contingent upon passing an initial background check and have one week to accept. The initial background check will be performed within two months of receipt of the tentative offer.
Students selected to DCTC must:
• be available to join the DCTC Research Review event in Washington, DC, July 29-31,
2024 (stipend provided),
• register for the 2-credit hour DCTC 301 course in the Fall 2024 semester, and
• register for a 2-credit DCTC course in each of the three subsequent semesters leading
up to graduation.
Is the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) like ROTC? Will I be in uniform?
The DCTC program is a talent pipeline to recruit top talent for the civilian workforce. Similar to the military ROTC program, the curriculum includes a summer internship component, and students joining in Fall 2024 and beyond will incur a civilian (non-military) service obligation with their scholarship. Upon graduation, DCTC Scholars will be placed in DoD labs or command organizations to begin their career in federal service. Civilians wear business or business casual dress in the workplace.
What are the benefits of working for DoD as a civilian?
The DoD employs 950,000 civilians, many serving in critical positions worldwide.
- There are a multitude of opportunities requiring a diverse range of skills.
- If a competitive salary, great benefits, unsurpassed training, and the pride of defending our Nation interests you, then your future is with DoD.
- Across DoD the key principles of employee engagement, results-driven, honor, duty and integrity, teamwork, family-oriented, and diversity and inclusion foster a supportive and productive culture and environment.
- DoD civilian employees are committed to the national security mission and their cutting edge, innovative, and impactful work motivates them every day.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
- DCTC Cohort 0 scholarships are open to students who will begin their Junior year in Fall 2023 (with expected undergraduate graduation in Spring 2025) and are currently enrolled at one of the DCTC pilot universities.
- Students must be in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance are required.
- DCTC is designed for students pursuing an undergraduate degree relating to acquisition or finance, as well as digital technologies, critical technologies, science, or engineering. Students in majors such as business, supply chain management, contracting, and pre-law are encouraged to apply. The DCTC curriculum is designed for interdisciplinary, project-based learning; an environment in which students from varied academic backgrounds will collaborate to solve complex, real-life problems.
What are the requirements for participation?
- DCTC scholars are expected to maintain good standing with the University and DCTC pilot program. Cumulative grade point averages will be used to assess annual academic performance for continued eligibility in the DCTC Phase 0 Pilot program
- Completion of all requirements for bachelor’s degree under college/university rules and regulations
- Continued pursuit of the academic major for which the scholarship is offered.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Participation/attendance in required DCTC programs, such as courses, guest lectures, facility visits, summer internships, DOD Challenge Projects, DCTC program support activities and program feedback.
- Completion of necessary credits specified by the DCTC program.
How do I know about my ability to obtain a DoD security clearance?
Please visit the below websites for additional information on eligibility guidelines for obtaining a security clearance:
- Military.com: Security Clearance Eligibility
- Veteran.com: Security Clearance Disqualifiers
What materials do I need to apply?
To apply for a DCTC scholarship, you must submit a transcript, resume, and short statement of interest. The DCTC representative at each pilot university will provide an application. Email (Insert Email Here) to obtain an application.
Is it okay that I’m a non-STEM major?
Yes, DCTC is designed for students pursuing an undergraduate degree relating to acquisition or finance, as well as digital technologies, critical technologies, science, or engineering. Students in majors such as business, supply chain management, contracting, and pre-law are encouraged to apply. The DCTC curriculum is designed for interdisciplinary, project-based learning; an environment in which students from varied academic backgrounds will collaborate to solve complex, real-life problems.
How will my current financial aid be affected if I receive a DCTC scholarship?
Check with your university Financial Aid office to address questions concerning the impact to existing tuition aid, housing, etc.
Will I receive a minor or a certificate for completing DCTC curriculum?
The process for evaluating the DCTC curriculum for consideration as a minor or certificate program will be university specific.
What if I have more questions about the program or application?
