The Stuart Piltch Award for National Security

Inspiring the Next Generation of Thinkers in Cybersecurity, AI, and National Defense

Shaping the future of national security requires bold ideas and innovative solutions. The Stuart Piltch Award for National Security offers undergraduate students an opportunity to share their vision through a compelling essay contest. With a $1,000 prize, this award is designed to support students pursuing studies in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and national security policies.

Scholarship Overview

The Stuart Piltch Award for National Security is a prestigious scholarship awarded annually to an undergraduate student who demonstrates critical thinking and innovative ideas in the realm of national security and technology. Through an essay contest, students are encouraged to explore the intersection of technology and security, proposing solutions that address modern threats to national defense. With Stuart Piltch’s distinguished career in intelligence, healthcare, and technology, the award aims to inspire the next generation of leaders to tackle cyber threats, data security, and AI-driven innovations that will shape the future of national security. The winner will receive a $1,000 award to help fund their education and further their academic and professional journey in this critical field.

Criteria

To be eligible for the Stuart Piltch Award for National Security, applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited institution
  • Have an interest in national security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or related fields
  • Submit a 1,000-word essay in response to the following prompt

Essay Prompt:

“National security is evolving at the pace of technology. Choose one emerging technological advancement — such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, or cybersecurity — and discuss its impact on national security. What threats do you foresee, and what strategies would you propose to mitigate those risks while preserving civil liberties?”

Essays should demonstrate critical analysis, creativity, and a practical understanding of the challenges and solutions facing national security today.

Amount

One time award of $1,000

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Award is November 15, 2025.

Winner Announced

The winner of the Award will be announced on December 15, 2025

How to Apply

Applying for the Stuart Piltch Award for National Security is simple:

  1. Write a 1,000-word essay based on the provided prompt.
  2. Prepare a short personal statement (up to 250 words) detailing your interest in national security and how you plan to contribute to this field in the future.
  3. Email your essay and personal statement to [email protected] with the subject line: “Stuart Piltch Award Submission – [Your Name]”.
  4. Include the following details in your email:
    • Full Name
    • University Name
    • Field of Study
    • Contact Information (Email and Phone Number)

Along with the essay, please provide the following information:

  • Full Name
  • Phone Number
  • Address
  • Email Address
  • Name of High School and Graduation Date
  • The University that you are currently enrolled in.
  • Personal Bio
  • GPA