We are working towards the below dates with every effort to keep to this schedule. Should changes be necessary, we will ensure wide notification.
- 12 December – DoW CSA Program Office opens the New Recruitment Application
- 19 December – DoW CSA Program Office opens the Returning Scholar Application
- Mid-January – 2026 Solicitation (Notice of Funding Opportunity) posted to grants.gov
- 17 February – Online Application Portal Closes for New Recruitment Scholars
- Student Applications will be transferred to Academic POCs via the DoW SAFE for review. Recommendations will be entered into the DoW CSA Budget and Student Identification Sheet 2026-2027 (this is part of the solicitation posted on grants.gov)
- 20 February – Online Application Portal Closes for Returning Recruitment Scholars
- Please ensure that all students intending on returning this year reapply, as it is a requirement to continue with the program
- 20 March – Responses to solicitation due via Grants.gov.
- 23 March – 15 April – DoW Hiring Components reviews Scholar
- 15 April – DoW Components deadline to submit their Scholar Selection List, including ranked preferences
- 22 April – DoW Component Annual Scholar Selection Meeting, commonly referred to as the “Football Draft”
- 23-30 April – DoW CSA PO reviews and finalizes Hiring Component final selections to ensure balanced distribution of New Scholars
- 1 May – Start of scholarship selections announcement
- 15 July – New Grants and Options start