The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), is a unique education and workforce development opportunity for aspiring leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The SMART Scholarship Program offers two scholarship opportunities, the SMART Scholarship and the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship (Dellums SMART Scholarship).
Scholarship Details
- Two scholarship options: SMART Scholarship for students with college credit and Dellums SMART Scholarship for students with no prior college credit.
- Recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, health and book allowances, and internships at DoD facilities.
- Scholarships support degrees in one of SMART’s 24 STEM disciplines, including Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and more.
- Mentorship and workforce development opportunities are included to prepare scholars for DoD careers.
- Encourages applications from students attending historically Black colleges and universities, minority institutions, and minority-serving institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- SMART Scholarship: Open to students with college transcripts pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at regionally accredited U.S. institutions.
- Dellums SMART Scholarship: Open to students with no prior college credit intending to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
- Must be pursuing a degree in one of SMART’s 24 STEM disciplines.
- Commitment to a civilian career with the DoD upon graduation.
Application Process
- Review the eligibility requirements for the SMART and Dellums SMART Scholarships, ensuring your field of study aligns with one of the 24 SMART STEM disciplines.
- Gather the necessary documents, including transcripts, proof of U.S. citizenship, and other supporting materials as specified in the application guidelines.
- Submit a complete online application through the SMART Scholarship portal during the application window.
- Participate in the selection process, which may include interviews and additional documentation as needed.
- Await notification of your application status and, if selected, complete any onboarding steps for scholarship acceptance.
Recipients of either scholarship receive full tuition, annual stipends, health and book allowances, mentorship, and conduct internships at a DoD facility. The first step to a rewarding civilian career with the DoD is reviewing the eligibility requirements for both opportunities, starting with the 24 SMART STEM disciplines.