Department of War Cyber Service Academy (DoW CSA)
🏛 Washington Headquarters Services
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for regionally and nationally accredited U.S. institutions of higher education designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). Eligible institutions include those recognized as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, Research, and/or Cyber Operations. Proposals must develop and manage institution-based scholarship programs in cyber-related disciplines for AY 2026-2027. Institutions may also request funding for faculty development, laboratory improvements, and curriculum development in cybersecurity topics.
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Program description
See the “Related Documents” and “Package” tabs for the complete application package, including the full text of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
The Department of War (DoW) Cyber Service Academy (CSA) is authorized by Chapter 112 of Title 10, United States Code, Section 2200. The purpose of the program is to support the recruitment of new cyber talent and the retention of current highly skilled professionals within the DoW cyber workforce. Additionally, this program serves to enhance the national pipeline for the development of cyber personnel by providing grants to institutions of higher education.
Regionally and nationally accredited U.S. institutions of higher education, designated under the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) and known as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, Research, and/or Cyber Operations (hereinafter referred to as designated institutions) are invited to submit proposals for developing and managing a full-time, institution-based, grant-funded scholarship program in cyber-related disciplines for Academic Year 2026-2027.
Consistent with 10 U.S.C. 2200b, proposals to this solicitation may also request modest collateral support for purposes of institutional capacity building to include faculty development, laboratory improvements, and/or curriculum development, in cyber-related topics to providing a strong foundation for a DoW CSA.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- HBCU
- HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution)
- Private University
- Public University
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and application package
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Evidence of NCAE-C designation
- Institutional support documentation
- Program evaluation plan
Program contact
- 👤 Jonathan Bertsch Grantor
- 📧 jonathan.e.bertsch.civ@mail.mil
- 📞 7035453559
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.902 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,079,950
-
$1,063,498
-
$926,125
-
$859,374
-
$786,421
-
$738,167
-
$734,764
-
$703,497
-
$678,438
-
$632,338
Top States by Funding
- PA 12 awards $4.3M
- TX 5 awards $3.5M
- VA 7 awards $2.7M
- SC 3 awards $2.1M
- MD 8 awards $1.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.902). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $14,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $15,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $100,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Regionally and nationally accredited U.S. institutions of higher education must be designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). Eligibility includes centers recognized for Cyber Defense, Research, and/or Cyber Operations.
What can funded scholarships support?
Scholarships support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing cyber-related disciplines. Institutions develop and manage full-time, institution-based scholarship programs.
Are there other activities beyond scholarships?
Yes, institutions may request modest funding for faculty development, laboratory improvements, and curriculum development in cybersecurity topics.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is January 22, 2030 (fixed deadline).
What is the funding range for awards?
Awards typically range from $50,000 to $20,000,000 depending on project scope and institutional capacity.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your institution holds current NCAE-C designation before applying; this is a hard eligibility requirement.
- Link your scholarship program directly to DoW cyber workforce recruitment and retention goals in your narrative.
- Include specific metrics for how scholarships will improve your institution's cyber talent pipeline.
- Detail faculty expertise and laboratory capabilities that support your proposed scholarship program.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment through matching support or in-kind contributions, even though cost-sharing is not required.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when institutions lack current NCAE-C designation or submit proposals that lack clear connection to DoW cyber workforce needs. Weak applications underestimate the capacity required to manage a full-time scholarship program. Vague curriculum or faculty development plans without measurable outcomes reduce competitiveness.
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