Department of War Cyber Service Academy (DoW CSA)

The Department of War is soliciting applications for the Cyber Service Academy grant program to fund full-time, institution-based scholarship programs in cyber-related disciplines for Academic Year 2026-2027, with applications due April 20, 2026. Eligible applicants are regionally and nationally accredited U.S. institutions of higher education designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) and in good standing with all required NCAE-C Program Office documentation current.

The program operates three applicant tracks: recruitment scholarships for new students (community college, undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels, plus traditional National Guard and reservists), retention scholarships exclusively for current DoW civilians and active-duty military personnel, and capacity building support for institutional enhancements. NCAE-Cs must be in good standing with the NCAE-C Program Office and not delinquent on required documentation; they may collaborate with other accredited institutions and are encouraged to include accredited post-secondary minority institutions.

Capacity building support covers faculty development, laboratory improvements, and curriculum development in cyber-related topics, with funding ceilings of $150,000 for faculty and curriculum development, $125,000 for INSuRE Summer Camps, $125,000 for community cyber outreach, and $500,000 for DoW CSA Boot Camp. Recruitment scholarship stipends range from $27,650 to $36,650 per scholar depending on program level; retention scholarships offer $30,000 to $35,000. Awards fund salary, fringe benefits, and indirect costs only; no fees or profits are permitted. The program period spans five years from the award date. Institutional proposals must align with the Defense Cyber Workforce Framework (DoD 8140), include identified student nominations with specific details, program-of-study descriptions, student management plans, progress metrics, commercial certification alignment, and a copy of the institution's student code of conduct. Post-award recipients must disburse funds to scholars within 30 days, notify the DoW CSA Program Office of student withdrawals, invoice at least quarterly, and submit quarterly financial and performance reports. Funding restrictions prohibit equipment or services from Huawei Technologies, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision, Dahua Technology, or their subsidiaries. All applicants must register in the System for Award Management prior to submission and submit institutionally approved, signed proposals via Grants.gov in Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins.