The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and be gainfully employed upon degree completion.

Students pursuing degrees related to the following are encouraged to apply:

• Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
• Biosciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences
• Computer and Computational Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Geosciences
• Industrial and Systems Engineering (technical tracks only)
• Information Sciences
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Oceanography
• Operations Research (technical tracks only)
• Physics

Benefits Summary

Participants in the SMART Scholarship for Service Program receive:

• Full tuition and education related fees (does not include items such as meal plans, housing, or parking)
• Cash award paid at a rate of $25,000 - $41,000 depending on prior educational experience (may be prorated depending on award length)
• Paid summer internships
• Health Insurance
• Book allowance of $1,000 per academic year
• Mentoring
• Employment placement after graduation

Students

The SMART Program aims to increase the number of scientists and engineers in the DoD. The program is particularly interested in supporting individuals that demonstrate an aptitude and interest in conducting theoretical and applied research. As such, the program primarily targets "hand-on-the-bench" researchers and engineers. Individuals applying to the program should have a strong interest in working for the DoD as a civilian research scientist or engineer. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the disciplines listed on the About SMART page.

If you are selected as a SMART Scholar you will have the fantastic opportunity to intern with one of these laboratories and obtain valuable experience during your education and exciting employment opportunities when you graduate.

Testimonials

Sunny Fugate

2007 SMART Scholarship recipient, Ph.D. program in Computer Science with an emphasis on artificial intelligence and cognitive science at the University of New Mexico.

"As a Navy engineer and scientist I feel very fortunate to be a recipient of the SMART Scholarship. If programs such as SMART had not been available I would have sought other employment opportunities to support my studies. Continuing my Navy research while earning my Ph.D. affords me the unique ability to apply my studies directly to military problems. This has been extraordinarily fulfilling."

Benjamin Haugen

2007 SMART Scholarship recipient, B.A. in Geology from the University of Colorado at Boulder with an emphasis on glacial geology.

"SMART is one of the best possible ways to overcome the financial barriers of school and simultaneously ensure that you have an excellent job after graduation. In four years of searching, I have not found anything that even remotely parallels the benefits of the SMART Program—a generous stipend, health insurance, book allowance, full tuition and fees, plus a job! Frankly, it's remarkable."

Jennifer Lopez

2005 SMART Scholarship recipient, Bachelor's program in mathematics with a focus on topology research at the University of California-Davis

"The laboratory internship has been a great experience. My lab mentor has gone above and beyond in supporting me and I have been doing work that directly relates to my studies. The opportunities offered to me while in school and after graduation have put me three steps ahead of everyone else."

Olukayode Okusaga

2006 SMART Scholarship recipient, Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering with a focus on photonics at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

"As a student from a smaller university, I appreciate the access to opportunities that the SMART Program has provided. I am able to work in a career track position while pursuing my degree. It's the best of both worlds."