Federal Cooperative Agreement Summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $407,496.61 Cooperative Agreement under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) to Cyber Bytes Foundation, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The AI Pathways for Tomorrow's Workforce Project establishes a scalable, community-driven ecosystem in Northern Virginia that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy into cybersecurity career pathways for K-12 and adult learners. The initiative delivers five interlocking programs: AI literacy workshops, cyber-AI career exploration programs, after-school AI labs, AI-themed Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, and work-based learning opportunities. All programming is aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework and employer workforce demand.

Implementation occurs through collaborative partnerships with schools, community colleges, and regional employers in Stafford County and surrounding areas, with no planned subawards. Expected outcomes include engagement of over 500 learners in AI literacy programming, annual placement of at least 20 participants in internships or apprenticeships, and outreach to 150+ learners through gamified CTF challenges. The initiative targets K-12 students, adult learners, educators, veterans, career-switchers, and underrepresented populations, while expanding employer partnerships in defense, infrastructure, and information technology sectors. Success will be measured through surveys, job placement data, and credential attainment tracking.