2024 SMART STEM Scholarship (US Based)

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED, RE-OPENS IN AUG/SEP

Scholarship Awarding University: 
Several US accredited colleges and universities

Type of degree: 
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

Scholarship Deadline: 
Applications for this scholarship will close on the 1st of December 2023 (5pm EST).

Scholarship Summary: 
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 guaranteed civilian employment with the US Department of Defense (DoD) upon degree completion. SMART Scholars are among the most talented and innovative minds in STEM with a mission to support the United States and protect national security. Our scholars have the opportunity to be leading agents in their field and pursue their passions.

Scholarship Applicant Criteria: 
To be eligible, all awardees must be;
i. a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom at time of application,

ii. 18 years of age or older as of August 1, 2024,
iii. requesting at least 1 year of degree funding prior to graduation (which starts at the program start date),
iv. able to complete at least one summer internship (multi-year scholars only),
v. willing to accept post-graduation employment with the DoD,
vi. a student in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale,
pursuing a technical undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the 21 STEM disciplines listed here,
vii. able to produce a fall 2023 college transcript from a regionally accredited US college or university, OR be pursuing a graduate degree at a regionally accredited US college or university.

Active duty military members who wish to apply for the SMART Scholarship must be separated or on terminal leave on or before August 1, 2024 to be eligible. Reserve and National Guard members are eligible to apply. Current ROTC participants with a future service commitment are not eligible to apply.

Value of Scholarship: 

The SMART scholarship covers the following costs;
i. Full tuition and education related educational expenses (meal plans, housing, and parking not included)
ii. Stipend paid at a rate of $30,000 - $46,000 a year depending on degree level (may be prorated depending on award length)
iii. Summer research internships ranging from 8 to 12 weeks
iv. Health Insurance allowance of up to $2,500 per academic year
v. Miscellaneous allowance of up to $1,000 per academic year
vi. An experienced mentor at one of the Sponsoring Facilities
vii. Employment placement at a DoD facility upon degree completion.

Scholarships are awarded for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years of funding, depending on degree requirements.

Scholarship Application Guide: 
To apply, 
i. Follow the instructions as stated on the SMART application instructions page and submit all requested documents. All supporting materials, including references, must be received by the stated deadline.
ii. Semi-finalists are notified in early spring and award recipients are notified in the late spring (typically in April).

Scholarship Website: 
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the SMART Scholarship Page.