Expanding the Domestic Computing PhD Capacity

The United States faces a persistent shortfall in domestic students trained for careers in computing research at a time when demand for advanced expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum information science, and cybersecurity has reached unprecedented levels. This project supports domestic college graduates who return to PhD-level study in Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) fields after a period in the workforce. The Computing Research Association (CRA) manages all phases of the Fellowship, including application, review, selection, subaward administration, mentoring, and longitudinal evaluation. Domestic computing PhDs are uniquely eligible for sensitive research environments in defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure where security clearance eligibility is essential. The creation of a robust domestic pipeline of computing PhDs is important for national security and economic competitiveness, and by supporting these PhD students through degree completion this project expands the domestic pipeline of experts most central to U.S. technological leadership. This project pursues three activities: (1) establishing fellowship subawards for participants matriculating into CISE PhD programs in Fall 2027; (2) extending CRA program management, subaward administration, and fellow tracking through FY 2032 to provide consistent oversight for all active Fellows through degree completion; and (3) supporting the program's outcomes evaluation. The tracking and evaluation will provide a unique national longitudinal dataset assembled across cohorts, which captures how workforce-returner Fellows contribute to research in AI, quantum information science, cybersecurity, computer science, and adjacent multidisciplinary fields. This dataset will provide actionable evidence for future federal investments in domestic PhD production. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.