Defense Civilian Training Corps
National Security Leaders Today and Beyond
National Security Leaders Today and Beyond
Application window for Cohort 2028 expected to open September 2025.
The Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) is a new program for students that will build civilian careers in the Department of Defense relating to acquisition, digital technologies, critical technologies, science, engineering, and finance and more. DCTC is a scholarship-for-civilian-service award.
Department of Defense DCTC website
The Defense Civilian Training Corps is a congressionally-mandated talent development program that provides a multidisciplinary, active-learning curriculum with summer internship projects at DoD organizations. DCTC is a highly selective pilot program that provides a 100% tuition scholarship and prepares scholars for a direct pathway into DoD acquisition-related careers.
Recruit and develop resilient DoD leaders who bring innovative ideas, diverse backgrounds, and a collaborative mindset to enable and secure the defense ecosystem.
Targeted Development for Success
The development and integrated curriculum approach is a hallmark of the DCTC program. The approach is designed to provide DCTC scholars with the skills and experience to jump-start their professional careers and be productive members of the DoD acquisition community immediately upon graduation. The four elements of the development and integrated curriculum are: the (1) core curriculum, (2) immersive learning experiences, (3) summer internships, and (4) innovation capstone project.
Questions: PurdueDCTC
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.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
What are the requirements for participation?
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:
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 PurdueDCTC
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?