June 23-25, 2026
Moraine Valley Community College

Travel Stipend Policy

To support participation in the CyAD Summit, June 23-25, 2026, a limited number of travel stipends are available to eligible attendees. The maximum stipend award is $1,500 and is intended to offset travel-related expenses. Stipends will be awarded based on estimated travel costs provided by the applicant and the availability of funds. Additional documentation may be requested prior to approval.

Applying for the stipend does not guarantee funding. Travel stipends will be awarded to approved registrants on a first-come, first-serve basis and may not last through the end of the registration period.  If you are relying on the travel stipend to attend, then DO NOT incur any travel expenses before receiving approval. You will be notified via email if your request has been approved.

Stipend Eligibility

To be eligible for the travel stipend, you MUST be one of the following populations:

• Currently teach college-credit courses at a regionally accredited U.S.community or technical college
• A STEM teacher for high school dual credit/concurrent enrollment 
• A U.S. small business or small manufacturer as defined by the size requirements set by the Small Business Administration (SBA’s table of small business size standards and Size Standards Tool)

Up to four travel stipends are available for each eligible institution to encourage faculty from diverse disciplines to attend. One faculty per discipline will be accepted. If multiple people are attending the summit, please coordinate your travel stipend requests. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first- served basis and will not be equitably divided among each applicant at your institution.

Eligible local residents residing within 60 miles of the venue may request mileage reimbursement with map indicating distance. Other travel expenses, such as lodging and meals, are not covered. The travel stipend is not available if the venue is your regular worksite.

Stipend Terms & Conditions:

To receive the travel stipend, you MUST:

• Be one of the eligible populations (listed above).
• Be affiliated with an NCyTE Member institution - membership is free!  You can check your institution's membership status here.
• Register for the summit and pay the published fee.  Click here to Register.  Applicant must register before stipend application will be processed.
• Physically attend the entire event. Attendance will be verified through check-ins each day.
• Complete and return a W9 and ACH form prior to stipend payment.
• Complete the event evaluation(s). Completing the survey is required to receive the stipend and ensure eligibility for future NCyTE funding.

Allowable Travel Costs May Include: 

• Lodging costs are reimbursed up to the GSA per diem rate for up to 4 nights between June 22 and June 25, 2026. Supporting documentation may be required.
• Round trip airfare (economy booking only, extras including upgrades and early bird check in are not covered). Supporting documentation may be required.
• Luggage fees (up to two bags, round trip)
• Parking fees
• Ground transportation  
  • To and from the airport to the hotel/event venue
  • Transportation includes: Taxi, Uber/Lyft, Shuttles, Train, Bus
  • If you are driving your own vehicle to the event, your mileage may be reimbursed at the GSA rate.  If requesting mileage, provide map indicating distance with your application.
• Meal Costs: Travelers may NOT claim meals that are included in or provided by the summit. The summit will provide 1 dinner, 2 breakfasts, and 2 lunches (subject to change). Meals are reimbursed at the GSA per diem rate. 

Ineligible Expenses (Do Not Include in Your Estimated Travel Costs): CyAD registration fee, alcohol charges, tips and meal taxes, exercise facility charges, hotel movie charges.

1. Submit a Travel Stipend Application

• Review the eligibility, terms, and instructions on this page before applying.
• If your institution/organization is not already an NCyTE member, then you may apply now, but your stipend application will not be processed until membership is confirmed.
• Register for the CyAD Summit. The travel stipend application link will be included in your registration confirmation email from NcyteCenter@wildapricot.org. If you do not receive a confirmation email after you register, then contact NCyTE@whatcom.edu for the link.
• If eligible (see Stipend Eligibility section), click the Travel Stipend Application link in your registration confirmation to complete the application.  Be prepared to provide estimated transportation, lodging, and meal expenses (see Allowable Travel Costs).
• If supporting documentation is required, such as a mileage map, then email it to NCyTE@whatcom.edu.
•  Submit your application by June 1. Applicants are encouraged to register and apply early.

2. Stipend Review

• Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis by the National Cybersecurity Training & Education (NCyTE) Center staff, who may reach out to you for any necessary clarifications regarding your submission.
• Decisions will be communicated to applicants via email from NcyteCenter@wildapricot.org.
• Prior to award, NCyTE staff will request a W9 and ACH form via DocuSign if there is not a current one on file for you.  Please note that this request does not indicate approval of your application. It is a proactive measure to ensure timely processing of stipends following the event.

Important Notes:

• Total reimbursement will not exceed the approved stipend amount, even if actual expenses are higher.
• Incomplete applications or missing requested support documentation will delay or disqualify application.
• Receipt of application does not guarantee funding. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and may be exhausted before the end of the registration period.  If you are relying on the travel stipend to attend, then you should NOT incur any travel expenses before receiving approval.

Once Your Stipend Request is Approved:

• Make your own transportation arrangements, including airfare, lodging, and local transportation.
• Check our website periodically and watch for emails from NcyteCenter@wildapricot.org for announcements and updates to the program.

After the Event/Stipend Issuance:

• NCyTE staff will confirm that you met the ‘Stipend Terms and Conditions’.
• You may be requested to submit travel receipts, so hang onto your receipts for airfare, lodging, and ground transportation.
• The stipend will be paid directly to you as an individual, it CANNOT be reimbursed to your institution.
• Your stipend will be processed from Whatcom Community College. Due to the volume of stipend requests, payments may take up to 90 days or more after the event.

For any inquiries, please contact us at NCyTE@whatcom.edu.