I work part time for the NSA and I definitely encourage you to apply for a scholarship. Most who apply, with good reason, do get a modest financial scholarship. It sounds like you have as good a reason as anyone else. I have a mostly moderate stutter which becomes more pronounced based on situations. I was covert for many years and became very adept at hiding strategies but I’m not able to do that anymore. I’m a person that stutters so I stutter sometimes, sometimes a lot, sometimes not so much. The NSA Conference is in Charlotte, NC this year, July 1-5, 2026. Once scholarship opportunities are announced, you should definitely apply. It can’t hurt.