🚨 Funding alert:
BJA FY 2025 Forensic Ballistics and Higher Education Program | U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

The Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications from institutions of higher education to expand forensic ballistics education through partnerships with local law enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This funding will support hands-on training that prepares students for careers in forensic science and crime gun intelligence (CGI), while helping build a stronger pipeline of qualified professionals to support violent crime investigations. The program emphasizes practical workforce development, sustainable academic-law enforcement partnerships, and nationally replicable training models.

🔧 What it supports:
Funding supports the expansion of university-based forensic ballistics curricula, laboratory and hands-on instruction, student internships with law enforcement agencies, curriculum development, ballistic imaging equipment connected to NIBIN, faculty and instructional costs, and partnerships that provide students with real-world experience in firearms evidence processing, crime gun intelligence, and forensic investigations. The program also supports workforce pathways into crime laboratories and public safety careers.

🎯 Key focus areas include:

• Expanding forensic ballistics and crime gun intelligence education
• Hands-on training in firearms evidence processing, NIBIN, eTrace, and forensic analysis
• Building partnerships between higher education, ATF, and local law enforcement
• Developing internship and practicum opportunities for students
• Preparing graduates for careers in forensic science, crime laboratories, and law enforcement
• Addressing emerging challenges such as 3D-printed firearms and new forensic technologies
• Creating sustainable, nationally replicable curriculum models that strengthen public safety workforce capacity

💡 Why it matters:
This opportunity addresses a growing national need for trained forensic professionals while strengthening the connection between higher education and public safety agencies. By investing in experiential learning and workforce development, the program helps reduce forensic evidence backlogs, improve crime gun intelligence capabilities, and prepare the next generation of professionals supporting violent crime investigations and community safety.

📌 How to apply:
Eligible applicants are private, public, and state-controlled institutions of higher education with established academic programs in criminal justice, forensic science, or related fields. Applicants must complete the SF-424 in Grants.gov by September 14, 2026, and submit the full application through JustGrants by September 21, 2026. Applications require a proposal narrative, budget, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or letter of intent demonstrating partnerships with participating law enforcement agencies. No cost share or match is required.

👥 Who should consider this:
Universities and colleges with criminal justice, forensic science, or related academic programs—particularly those interested in expanding workforce development initiatives through partnerships with local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies. Institutions seeking to strengthen public safety education, forensic science training, and career pathways into crime laboratories should closely review this opportunity.

If your organization is considering this opportunity, The New Growth Team can help assess program fit, build a competitive grant writing strategy, and develop a compelling proposal that aligns with BJA priorities. Reach out for a conversation about positioning your partnership for success