Background

The the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (“CMMC”) program from the United States Department of War (“DoW”) is fundamentally reshaping the way DoW buys goods and services from contractors.  Instead of burying cybersecurity requirements in an obscure contract clause, CMMC makes cybersecurity a foundational requirement.  Contractors must affirm that they meet, and in many cases even hire an authorized third-party to validate that they meet, certain requirements or the contractor cannot participate in DoW contracts, even as a subcontractor.  This applies to everyone, regardless of how many levels down in the supply chain they are, as long as they handle the government’s information (unless they are providing Commercial Off The Shelf products).

DoW estimates that nearly 80,000 companies will need third-party validation, and many industry experts believe that this is a significant underestimate.  This means there is a huge demand for CMMC Certified Assessors (“CCAs”).  In fact, our estimate is that at least 2500 CCAs are needed to support industry demand.  As of February 2026, there are only about 750 CCAs.  If we don’t add more CCAs to the CMMC Ecosystem, the impact on our national economy and national security could be devastating.

The CUI Institute was founded to help educate those in the defense supply chain about CMMC, Controlled Unclassified Information (“CUI”), cybersecurity, and more.  It seems only natural to us that we should also help those wanting to become CCAs, including those early in their journey who are earning their CMMC Certified Professional (“CCP”) certification.

We also wanted to show our appreciation for our brave service members and veterans.  The sacrifices they make are truly humbling.  We are excited to announce our first ever CMMC Training for Veterans Scholarship, which is available to all those current or former active duty military! As part of the Scholarship program, five (5) applicants will be awarded a total of $600 each which will be applied toward the cost of their CMMC CCP or CCA training with a participating training provider.

Expected Timeline:

  • March 1, 2026 – Application Window Opens
  • April 1, 2026 – Application Window Closes
  • May 15, 2026 – Awardees Announced

Award Details:

  • Five (5) individual scholarships will be awarded.
  • Individual scholarship award amount of $600 per winner.  Total scholarship awards: $3,000
  • Award amount will be paid directly to the winner’s preferred, participating CMMC Authorized Training Provider (“ATP”).  A participating ATP is a CMMC training provider who is authorized by The CMMC Assessor and Instructor Certification Organization (“CAICO”) to teach CCP and CCA courses, and who has agreed with the CUI Institute to participate in the scholarship program (also referred to as a “Participating ATP“).
  • Current Participating ATPs are:

Entry Requirements:

Submit a brief essay of between 400 and 800 words, detailing why you want to become a CMMC Certified Professional or CMMC Certified Assessor. A personalized tone, referencing sincere firsthand experience and sentiment, is best—no need to be too formal. We want to know why you truly believe in cybersecurity compliance as the best career path for you!

Application Requirements:

  • Complete all required sections of our application form below.
  • Be sure to attach the following documents to your application form:
    1. The CMMC-related certification you are pursuing (CCP or CCA).
    2. Verification that you meet the minimum requirements for the certification.
    3. Your Essay.
    4. Applicants must submit a copy of their DD214 (member 4) or a signed letter from Command certifying active duty status.
    5. Your preferred ATP and anticipated course start date
      1. Note: your selected course must start after the expected award date of May 1, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements and Terms:

All applications must be complete and submitted by the deadline April, 1 2026.

By submitting the application form below (the “Application“), you (the “Applicant“) assert and/or agree that:

  • You are:
    • a U.S. Citizen (or permanent resident) at least eighteen (18) years old; and,
    • enrolled (or enrolling) as in CCP or CCA with an participating ATP; and,
    • a Candidate for a CCP or CCA certification. You are a Candidate if you:
        1. Register with The Cyber AB and apply to become a CCP or CCA (as appropriate) (https://cyberab.org/CMMC-Ecosystem/Ecosystem-Roles/Assessing-and-Certification);
        2. Receive a CMMC Participant Number (“CPN”) from The Cyber AB; and
        3. Enroll in a CCP or CCA course with a participating ATP.
    • and either:
      • an honorably discharged veteran; or
      • current member of the active military (including National Guard and Reserves).
  • You are not:
    • a Scholarship Application Review Board Member;
    • an employee, board member, or agent of the CUI Institute; 
    • an employee, board member, or agent of a Participating ATP; or
    • a member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing.
  • You will:
    • comply with all IRS rules to qualify for the tax-free benefits of the scholarship, including the following:
      • the award does not exceed your expenses;
      • the award is not designated or earmarked for other purposes (such as room and board), and does not require (by its terms) that it cannot be used for qualified education expense; and
      • the award does not represent payment for teaching, research, or other services required as a condition for receiving the scholarship.
    • only use the awarded funds for:
      • Tuition and fees required to attend a CCP or CCA class with a Participating ATP; or
      • Course-related expenses, such as fees, books, supplies, and equipment that are required for the courses at the eligible educational institution. These items must be required of all students in your course of instruction.
    • not use the funds for: room and board, travel, research, clerical help, or equipment and other expenses that are not required for enrollment in or attendance at a participating ATP.
    • allow the CUI Institute to use your name, image, and quotes from you for promotional purposes.

Awards:

  • Awardees will be notified via E-mail, and on our official Scholarship page.
  • Recipients must comply with IRS rules to qualify for the tax benefits of the scholarship.