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Defense Civilian Training Corps

National Security Leaders Today and Beyond

DCTC logo

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

DCTC Benefits

  • 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 Program Information

  • DCTC Phase 0 Pilot scholarships are open to students who begin their junior year Fall 2023
  • 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

Questions and get the application link by email: PurdueDCTC@purdue.edu

DCTC Purdue Scholars
Cohort 0 – Fall 2023

Last name First Name Major Dept.
Canovas Nick AAEngineering
Destin Armand Biological Engineering
DeVries Aubrey Finance (MED Bus)
Eberle John Business (MED Bus)
Hersh Makena Poli Sci (CLA)
Higginbotham Belle Computer Graphics Technology (Polytech)
Hurst Garrett Computer Engineering
Kasper Josiah AAEngineering
Labianca-Campbell Ethan AAEngineering
Laird Brett AAEngineering
Liwanag Jarod Construction Management Technology (Polytech)
Meh Suzy Technology Leadership & Innovation (Polytech)
Melendez-Talamonti Anne Business (MED Bus)
Migala Jackson CIT (Polytech); Sociology (CLA)
Moss Charlotte Mechanical Engineering
O'Donnell Chelsea Mechanical Engineering
Roetker Anna Supply Chain, Business (MED Bus)
Unruh Lauren Poli Sci (CLA)
Weisman-Fleischer Grace Mechanical Engineering; Chinese-Languages and Cultures
Wrasman Jessica Digital Criminology

Student FAQs

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:

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@purdue.edu 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?