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

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering funding opportunities through four distinct grant projects designed to enhance cybersecurity education and workforce development at National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). The funding aims to bolster collaborations among academic institutions to align educational programs with the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework, supporting various initiatives such as annual symposiums, job fairs, and the development of cybersecurity curricula. The specific projects include: 1. **NCAE-C Community National Center** with $5.5 million for establishing Communities of Practice and managing critical symposia. 2. **NCAE-C Candidates and Peer Review National Center** with $2.5 million to facilitate new institution entries and mentoring in the NCAE-C program. 3. **Regions Investing in the Next Generation (RING) Expansion** with $1 million aimed at improving access to cybersecurity programs. 4. **Workforce Development Coalition Programs** with $2 million to expand existing workforce initiatives. Only selected institutions in California and the Southeast U.S. are eligible for funding. Proposals must adhere to specific formatting, financial management, and performance reporting guidelines. The overarching goal is to prepare students for DoD cyber roles and address significant gaps in the cybersecurity workforce, ensuring national security through improved educational frameworks.