The CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) program, administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), supports proposals that address artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity education and workforce development. The program defines CyberAI as the use of AI in cybersecurity as well as providing security and resilience for AI systems.

Overview

The CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) welcomes proposals to address the national talent shortfall in AI and cybersecurity. The program is authorized by 15 USC §7442 (cybersecurity) and 42 USC §18993 (AI) and aligns with Executive Order 14277 to prioritize AI within scholarship for service programs. CyberAI SFS is managed by NSF’s Directorate for STEM Education in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Tracks

Scholarship Track: Provides funding to establish or continue scholarship for service programs with integrated AI and cybersecurity components (CyberAI). Scholarship recipients must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and work after graduation in the AI or cybersecurity mission of a government organization for a period of at least the length of the scholarship.

Innovation Track: Supports projects that enhance preparation of AI and/or cybersecurity professionals. Projects may expand existing educational opportunities, curricula, degree programs, educational pathways, methods and interventions, and partnerships among institutions of higher education, government, and employers.

Funding and Benefits

• Program Funding: $2,500,000
• Expected Awards: 25
• Award Minimum: $300,000
• Award Maximum: $2,500,000
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Opportunity Category: Discretionary
• Category of Funding Activity: Science technology and other research and development

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: Other

Scholarship Track: Proposals may only be submitted by Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Community colleges are eligible only as sub-awardees of a partnering four-year SFS institution.

Innovation Track: Proposals may be submitted by:

• Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members.
• Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.

Who May Serve as PI: As of the date the proposal is submitted, any PI, co-PI, or other Senior/Key project personnel must hold either a tenured or tenure-track position, or a primary, full-time, paid appointment in a research, administration, or teaching position at a US-based campus of an eligible organization. Individuals with primary appointments at for-profit non-academic organizations or at overseas branch campuses of U.S. institutions of higher education are not eligible.

Deadline and Timeline

• Closing: July 21, 2026 (Scholarship Track; Innovation Track)
• Posted Date: February 4, 2026
• Archive Date: August 16, 2029

Application Process

Applicants must go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. The funding opportunity number is 26-503. For additional information, refer to NSF Publication 26-503.

Contact Information

For problems linking to this funding announcement, contact: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov