A&T Welcomes Third Cohort of Defense Civilian Training Corps

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 28, 2025) – Eleven North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University students have been selected by the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) for the 2027 cohort, bringing the university’s total number of scholars to 43 across three cohorts.

“The DCTC Scholars Program continues to open doors for our students, offering a clear path to dynamic careers that blend academic achievement with meaningful public service,” said Rosalind Dale, Ed.D., vice provost for Engagement and Outreach. “Through this initiative, we’re cultivating the next generation of global leaders – equipping them for high-impact roles while easing the financial barriers to success. It’s deeply rewarding to see North Carolina A&T’s academic strength recognized in such a powerful way, and we’re proud to contribute to this transformative effort.”

This third cohort brings together students from various backgrounds and disciplines:

• Talia Brown, a computer science major from Columbia, Maryland
• Haley Dymally-Thomas, a finance major from Lithonia, Georgia
• Jazaria Fisher, a business analytics major from Greensboro, North Carolina
• Malachi Grissett, an economics major from Hope Mills, North Carolina
• Tatianna Hielscher, a computer engineering from Spring Lake, North Carolina
• Jaden Johnson, a business major from Fayetteville, North Carolina
• Christian Thomas McLean, a computer engineering major from Raleigh, North Carolina
• DeMichael Morgan, a computer science major from Accokeek, Maryland
• Christina Smith, a computer engineering major from Hartford, Connecticut
• Marquise Traynham, a management major from Wendell, North Carolina
• Camron Wright, a business information technology from McDonough, Georgia

Each semester, scholars enroll in a dedicated course and engage in challenging projects that tackle real-life problems through interdisciplinary, experiential learning. These opportunities are designed to build critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation skills essential for national security careers.

During the summer, students are placed in DoD laboratories and organizations, where they contribute to mission-driven work and deepen their professional expertise. Upon graduation, DCTC Scholars transition directly into full-time civilian roles within the DoD, ready to make an immediate impact.

In addition to gaining critical skills to jumpstart their careers in the civilian acquisition workforce, DCTC Scholars each receive a $12,000 scholarship per year; $1,000 stipend per month during the scholarship period; hands-on summer internship placement at DoD organizations, labs and other federal agencies; prioritized employment in DoD, career development for success and future pathways across DoD organizations and laboratories, other federal agencies, start-ups, industry and academia; and security clearance.

DCTC is designed to prepare the next generation of civilian leaders in national security. This highly selective program offers students a rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum enriched by hands-on learning and summer internships at DoD organizations.

The program is led by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in collaboration with other government agencies and military departments. Through this partnership, DCTC is shaping a diverse pipeline of future professionals equipped to serve in critical roles across the defense enterprise.