SMART Scholarship Program

The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for bachelors, masters, and PhD students to gain technical skills in critical STEM fields and support the national security mission of the DoD. The SMART scholarship provides funding for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive full tuition for up to five years, summer internships, annual stipends, an experienced DoD mentor at one of the Sponsoring Facilities, and full time employment with the Department of Defense upon degree completion.

Application Materials

  • Privacy Act Statement
  • Application
  • About Me
  • Personal Statement
  • Experiences
  • References
  • Transcript(s)

What they’re looking for

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Requesting at least 1 year of degree funding prior to graduation
  • Able to complete at least one summer internship (only for applications who request award multiple years)
  • Willing to accept post-graduation employment with DoD
  • Minimum 3.0 (4.0 scale) GPA
  • Pursuing one of the following degrees:
    • Aeronautical and astronautical engineering
    • Biosciences
    • Biomedical engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Civil engineering
    • Computer and computational sciences & computer engineering
    • Electrical engineering
    • Materials science and engineering
    • Mathematics
    • Mechanical engineering
    • Physics

SMART is a one-for-one commitment; for every year of degree funding, the scholar commits to working for a year with the DoD as a civilian employee. Individuals applying to the program should have a strong interest in working for the DoD as a civilian employee. Scholars will also participate in summer internships with their sponsoring facility each summer following each year of funding. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a field of study that falls into one of the 21 STEM disciplines listed in the eligibility requirements found on the SMART Scholarship website. Applicants must also be requesting at least 1 year of degree funding prior to graduation. Upon selection, students must sign a DoD civilian service agreement.

Academic Level
Undergraduate
Graduate
Field(s) of Study
STEM
Application Deadline
December
Nomination Required
No
Citizen Status
U.S. Citizen