DoW Cyber Service Academy opens 2027–2028 scholarship applications via ATLAS
The U.S. Department of War CIO has opened the Cyber Service Academy (CSA) ATLAS portal for 2027–2028 merit-based scholarships. Clearance-eligible U.S. high school seniors and college freshmen through seniors pursuing approved cyber degrees can apply from 1 October 2026. Current DoW personnel use the separate retention track expected in 2027.
The U.S. Department of War (DoW) Office of the Chief Information Officer has opened the Cyber Service Academy (CSA) Application and Talent Lifecycle Analytics System (ATLAS) portal for the 2027–2028 academic year. Applications began Thursday, 1 October 2026.
What CSA offers
CSA (formerly the DoD Cyber Scholarship Program) is a merit-based scholarship administered by the DoW CIO. It funds undergraduate cyber education and builds the Department’s cyber talent pipeline. Typical recruitment-track benefits have included full tuition and fees, books and supplies, a living stipend, a DoW 8140 certification allowance, a paid summer internship, and a post-graduation career path with a DoW agency or component, with support available for up to five years. Scholars commit to work for the DoW for at least one year for each year of scholarship support.
Who can apply this cycle
This cycle expands eligibility. Graduating high school seniors and college freshmen through college seniors may compete for scholarships to fund undergraduate cyber education. Applicants must be clearance-eligible U.S. citizens who are currently pursuing or planning to pursue an approved cyber-related degree program at a designated institution.
Who is not eligible on this track
Current DoW civilian and military personnel are not eligible for the recruitment scholarship track. The CSA retention scholarship track for serving personnel is expected to open early next year (2027). Monitor cyberworkforce.mil for that window.
How to apply
Review eligibility and submit via the official CSA page: https://www.cyberworkforce.mil/Academic-Programs/DoW-Cyber-Service-Academy/ DoW CSA indicates the student application has two parts (background information, then cyber experience).
Complete the package carefully; incomplete applications are not considered, and only one application is accepted per student. Why it matters CSA remains one of the primary federal pathways into DoW cyber and IT roles for students who are not yet government employees.
The ATLAS portal opening and broadened undergraduate eligibility widen the funnel for clearance-eligible candidates who want funded cyber education tied to national-security service. 