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DAWN-ED: Department of the Air Force-funded degree program now accepting applications

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Gonzalez
  • Air Education and Training Command

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - DAWN-ED is a Department of the Air Force-funded degree program that provides up to 15 eligible Airmen and Guardians an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate from a university of choice. Officers have until June 25, 2021, to apply for the 2022 academic year.

“This DAWN-ED program creates opportunities for Airmen now to learn and to serve and help create a better future,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, DAWN-ED program manager. “The DAWN-ED program has opportunities and areas of areas of expertise the Air Force needs to have 10 years out.  The best time to grow that is now, by planting seeds in our Airmen.”

Officers selected for the program are able to pursue an advanced degree in one of the following areas:  computer science (advanced/quantum computing, artificial intelligence, or machine learning); engineering (autonomous systems, hypersonics, optics, robotics, sensors or stealth); physics (advanced materials or directed energy); and other (biotechnology, ethics in technology, strategic economics or strategic foresight).

Below are links to helpful resources and find more information about the criteria and application process is available on the myPers website https://mypers.af.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/46898/p/9/c/549

DAWN-ED Frequently Asked Questions 

DAWN-ED 2021 Application 

Tune in to episode 49 of "The Air Force Starts Here" podcast, to learn more about the application process.

Hansen provides specifics on the program and application process. Capt. Ciara Figliuolo, from the 558th Flying Training Squadron and participant in the DAWN-ED master’s program last year, who will attend Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Science in artificial intelligence and innovation program is also a guest on the podcast. 

You can stream The Air Force Starts Here Podcast.

Apple podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/developing-mach-21-airmen/id1451609095 

Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Im6uewr45nczxt4o4xzucvucgpi?t=The_Air_Force_Starts_Here

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UzkzL9wQdWmQnntGAd6Yp

DVIDS:  https://www.dvidshub.net/tags/audio/the-air-force-starts-here-podcast