Fiscal year 2025 department of defense chief information officer cyber service academy scholarships: university of south carolina

The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Secretary of Defense awarded the University of South Carolina a $178,293 project grant on August 20, 2025, under the Mathematical Sciences Grants program (CFDA 12.901), administered by the National Security Agency. The award supports the Cyber Service Academy Scholarships initiative through August 19, 2030, representing a five-year performance period. This funding extends the typical one-to-two-year grant duration associated with the Mathematical Sciences program, indicating a substantial, multi-year commitment to scholarship support in this specialized academic area.

Under this award, the University of South Carolina will provide scholarship support and educational services to qualified students pursuing training and certification through the Cyber Service Academy. The Mathematical Sciences Grants program supports educational initiatives and research advancement in five core mathematical disciplines—algebra, discrete mathematics, number theory, probability, and statistics—with a focus on increasing the quantity and quality of domestic mathematical talent. Beneficiaries are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, consistent with the program's national security priorities. The extended performance period and substantial funding amount reflect the government's commitment to developing cybersecurity expertise through mathematics-based education at this major public research institution.