DoD Cyber Academic Engagement Office Program Support Grants to National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

The Department of Defense (DoD) is soliciting grant applications for the Cyber Academic Engagement Office Program to support National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity through four distinct project areas. The program aims to bolster the DoD cyber workforce by fostering excellence in cyber education, aligning academic programs with the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework, and expanding student capacity in cybersecurity. Eligibility is strictly limited to four specific institutions: California State University at San Bernardino, Whatcom Community College, University of West Florida, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Applicants must follow detailed submission requirements, including using Grants.gov, providing comprehensive project narratives, and complying with federal regulations and national policy requirements. The application deadline is August 11, 2025, with the opportunity posted on July 11, 2025.

The total funding for this grant opportunity is $9.6 million, distributed across four project areas: $5.5M for the NCAE-C Community National Center, $2.5M for NCAE-C Candidates and Peer Review National Center, $1M for Regions Investing in the Next Generation Expansion, and $2M for Workforce Development Coalition Programs. The grants will support activities such as establishing Communities of Practice, managing annual meetings and seminars, providing travel reimbursements, updating knowledge units, and supporting cybersecurity competitions and resources. The funding is part of the GenCyber Grants Program (CFDA 12.903) and CyberSecurity Core Curriculum Program (CFDA 12.905), with assistance funds available for a period of up to 24 months.