Developing National Security Leaders Today and Beyond
DCTC is a comprehensive two-year scholarship-for-service program that introduces college students to the DoD community, builds critical skills, and prepares them to tackle current challenges in defense acquisition. By combining scholarships and curriculum with hands-on experience, we ensure our graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact and adapt to the evolving landscape of national security.
National
security leaders
today and beyond
The Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) pilot program offers students a unique opportunity to combine their passion for business, law, policy, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with real-world experiences that can jump-start their careers before they even graduate. DCTC scholars are part of a multidisciplinary cohort, participate in a project-based summer internship with the Department of Defense, and gain a valuable security clearance. DCTC equips scholars with critical skills and sets them on a path to employment within the Defense acquisition mission.
Benefits
Full tuition scholarship
$2K stipend/month of scholarship
Hands-on summer internship
Guaranteed employment in DoD
Security clearance
Defense acquisition is the backbone of national security and global humanitarian efforts. DCTC scholars work collaboratively as part of a mission-motivated team, alongside top defense contractors and innovative startups, to develop and deliver essential tools and systems, from cutting-edge technology to disaster relief infrastructure. DCTC scholars help make sure our military and humanitarian missions succeed, all while positioning themselves for a rewarding career that makes a real difference.
DCTC was established by Congress to develop a highly skilled civilian workforce to fill critical needs in fields such as defense acquisition, digital and critical technologies, science, engineering, public policy, business, and finance.
DCTC: Drive Mission Success, Build Your Impactful Career
Multidisciplinary, Cohort Model
Students from diverse academic backgrounds join the DCTC team, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and leadership in national security.
Full Tuition and Stipend
Scholars receive full tuition coverage along with a $2K/month stipend, allowing them to focus entirely on their academic and professional development.
Accelerated Security Clearances
Scholars receive the necessary support to obtain security clearances before they graduate, enabling them to work on critical projects within the Department of Defense.
Tailored Curriculum
The program offers a specialized curriculum designed to meet the unique needs of defense acquisition, equipping scholars with the skills and knowledge required to jump-start their careers.
Project-Based Summer Internship
Scholars participate in hands-on summer internships, providing real-world experience in defense acquisition and national security, enhancing their practical skills and professional network.
Mentorship & Coaching
Scholars gain a network of professionals who provide mentoring guidance and support during the DCTC experience on campus, through the transition into the first assignment, and during the service commitment.
DoD Employment
Scholars are guaranteed employment as civilians with the Department of Defense upon graduation, with a two-year service obligation.
Making Connections
DCTC is currently offered at four universities: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Purdue University, University of Arizona, and Virginia Tech with the intent to scale in future cohorts. For more information, please contact us.
The DCTC Scholar Journey
Apply
Students at an eligible university with two years left to pursue their bachelor’s or joint bachelor’s/master’s degree, are encouraged to apply to the DCTC program.
Program Acceptance
Accepting the offer means meeting program requirements and committing to a 2-year service obligation as a civilian working for the Department of Defense upon graduation as part of the scholarship-for-service program.
University Courses (Year 1)
DCTC scholars engage in foundational courses such as DCTC 301, Fundamentals of Civilian Service in the DoD, and DCTC 302, Exploration of the DoD Acquisition Environment.
Project-Based Internship
DCTC scholars gain practical experience through a hands-on internship at a DoD organization working on a project that directly contributes to national security and the defense acquisition mission.
University Courses (Year 2)
DCTC scholars advance their understanding of the defense acquisition mission with courses like DCTC 401, Overview of DoD Missions and Community Functions, and DCTC 402, Driving Institutions to Success.
DoD Employment
DCTC scholars launch their careers as Department of Defense civilians upon graduation, supporting the defense acquisition mission through a 2-year service commitment and beyond.
DCTC Critical Skills
The Acquisition Innovation Research Center collaborates with academia to drive DoD innovation and evidence-based decision-making. AIRC research and DoD focus group results demonstrate the following skills are essential for filling critical needs in the DoD civilian talent pipeline.
DoD System
Agile Acquisition
Develop Public-Private Partnerships
DoD Structures, Functions, & Orgs
Ethical & Social Responsibility
Digital & Data
Cybersecurity-Centric Design Thinking
Data Literacy & Analysis
Digital Proficiency
Digital Transformation
Individual
Adaptability, Resilience, & Learning
Creative Thinking & Innovation
Strategic Thinking & Leadership Qualities
Team
Collaboration & Effective Teamwork
Diversity
Facilitation
Impactful Communication
Influence & Networking
Complex Problem-Solving
Problem-Solving Approaches
Systems Thinking Mindset
Stakeholder & Work Outcomes
Vision & Foresight
User-Centered Design
The DCTC program equips scholars with these critical skills, setting them on a clear path to civilian acquisition workforce employment.
Scholar Testimonials
"The Defense Civilian Training Corps gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in an experience that not only showed me how much goes into protecting our country but also gave me a sense of pride in contributing to those who protect us daily."Janelle B. Anthony
DCTC Cohort '25 Scholar, NCA&T
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