SMART Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation

SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program Overview

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program funds STEM education and early-career development through merit-based scholarships and hands-on experience. It supports bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students pursuing qualifying STEM degrees and connects recipients with civilian roles at the Department of War after graduation. The program covers education costs and provides structured pathways from internships to employment, with an annual application window each fall.

Description: A merit-based scholarship program that funds STEM degrees and provides internships and post-graduation civilian employment with the Department of War.

Eligibility: Open to students pursuing qualifying undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral STEM degrees; applicants should confirm specific eligibility online.

Award Value: Benefits typically include full tuition, annual stipends, summer internships, and additional allowances such as health and book stipends.

Application Timeline: Applications open annually in August and close on the first Friday in December; applicants must meet the posted deadline and submission requirements.

• Merit-based funding for undergraduate and graduate STEM students.
• Includes paid internships and a pathway to DoW civilian employment.
• Annual application cycle with a firm December deadline.

Building Future Department of War Leaders

The SMART Scholarship develops early-career leaders by immersing scholars in mission-focused research and engineering at Department of War facilities. Scholars complete summer internships at one of more than 150 DoW locations and transition into civilian roles where they apply technical skills to national defense priorities. These placements expose recipients to advanced work in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomy, space, and communications.

Description: A workforce-development initiative that pairs education funding with practical, facility-based internships to cultivate technical leaders for the Department of War.

• Hands-on internships at diverse DoW facilities.
• Exposure to high-impact technology areas and applied research.
• Direct pathway from internship experience to early-career DoW positions.

Exploring the SMART Program and Eligible STEM Degrees

SMART is administered by the Department of War to support a broad range of STEM disciplines essential to national defense and technology development. The program expanded eligibility in 2023 to include incoming college freshmen with no prior college credit, increasing access for high school seniors entering STEM fields. Applicants should confirm that their intended major maps to one of the SMART STEM disciplines before applying.

Description: A DoW-funded scholarship program focused on STEM fields critical to defense and technology innovation.

Eligibility: Applicants must be pursuing, or intend to pursue, a degree in an approved SMART STEM discipline. The following disciplines are commonly eligible:

• Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biosciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Data Science and Analytics
• Electrical Engineering
• Geosciences
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Information Sciences
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Oceanography
• Operations Research
• Physics
• Software Engineering

• Wide range of STEM disciplines supported, from engineering to physical sciences.
• 2023 expansion allows incoming freshmen to apply in eligible cases.
• Applicants should verify that their major aligns with SMART discipline definitions.

SMART Application Instructions

The SMART application process is managed online and requires timely submission of the application and all supporting materials. Applicants must complete the application portal tasks for the submit button to appear and ensure reference forms and other documentation arrive by the deadline. Notifications of award decisions are typically issued in the spring following the application cycle.

Description: An online application process that requires a complete application and receipt of supporting materials by the stated deadline.

Application Timeline: Submit the online application by 5:00 p.m. EST on the first Friday in December; supporting materials must also be received by that deadline. Late submissions are not accepted, and application materials are not returned.

• All application tasks must be completed for submission to be enabled.
• References and supporting documents must be received by the deadline.
• Award notifications are generally issued in the spring.

Important Information to Know Before Applying

Prospective applicants must register to gain access to the SMART Application Portal and follow account authentication instructions to log in. The portal includes a progress bar and guidance materials to help track and complete required tasks. Ensure account setup is finalized and all application components are uploaded before attempting to submit.

Description: Registration and account setup are required to access the application portal; follow provided authentication steps carefully.

Submission Requirements: Complete every application task to enable the submit button; monitor progress through the portal and confirm that references and documents are received by the deadline.

• Create and authenticate your application account before starting the application.
• Use the portal progress bar to track completion of required tasks.
• Verify that all references and uploads are received prior to the deadline to avoid disqualification.