Fiscal year 2026 department of war chief information officer cyber service academy scholarships: university of missouri-kansas city

The Office of the Secretary of Defense awarded University of Missouri–Kansas City $107,652.17 on August 31, 2026, under the Information Security Grants program (CFDA 12.902) to support the Department of War Cyber Service Academy. The award funds scholarship support for students pursuing cybersecurity-related degrees and capacity-building initiatives at the institution. UMKC, operating as The Curators of The University of Missouri, serves as the recipient and distributes scholarship funds to cover tuition, fees, and stipends for selected scholars, with capacity-building funds expended on approved institutional projects. Performance occurs in Kansas City, Missouri through August 30, 2031. The Cyber Service Academy is a merit-based "scholarship-for-service" program designed to recruit and develop civilian cybersecurity talent for the Department of War, serving both prospective undergraduate and graduate students and current DoW civilian and military personnel seeking advanced expertise. All academic tracks and career placements align with the Defense Cyber Workforce Framework. Scholars selected through the recruitment pathway are chosen by participating DoW agencies based on cyber talent and mission needs; retention applicants (current DoW personnel) are selected by a panel of academic faculty and government cybersecurity experts. Eligible students must maintain minimum GPAs (3.0 for community college, 3.2 for undergraduate, 3.5 for graduate), be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be at least 18 years old. Assistance funds remain available for up to 12 months with an option for an additional 12 months, released upon receipt of acceptable invoices through WAWF/PIEE.