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    SMART Scholarship Program

    Offered by U.S. Department of Defense

    Lisa Freedland Reviewed by Lisa FreedlandLast updated Jul 23, 2024
    Multiple awards worth

    $30,000 - $46,000

    Grade level

    College & Graduate Students

    Application deadline:

    December 6, 2024

    Scholarship Overview

    Are you a current postsecondary student pursuing a STEM degree? If so, consider applying for the SMART Scholarship Program! The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying one of SMART’s ~24 approved STEM disciplines. The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and offers STEM students educational and workforce opportunities. Their mission is to “inspire, cultivate, and develop” STEM students to develop their future careers. In addition to having their full tuition expenses paid and the opportunity to partake in research internships, recipients are awarded a stipend worth between $30,000 and $46,000 a year. However, bear in mind that winners must also commit to post-graduation employment with the Department of Defense.

    If you are passionate about a career in STEM and are looking for a way to fund your education, we encourage you to apply!  

    Eligibility information

    The scholarship is open to students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in an approved STEM discipline. Applicants must be willing to accept post-graduation employment with the DoD and be available for a summer internship. Applicants must also meet the below eligibility requirements.

    Grade Level

    College & Graduate Students

    Citizenship

    U.S. Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Other

    Minimum GPA

    3.0

    Minimum Age

    18 years old

    Academic Interest

    Environmental Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Science/Engineering, Marine/Ocean Engineering, Biology, Neurobiology, Math, Statistics, Physical Sciences, Earth Science, Oceanography, Materials Science, Aviation/Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Chemistry, Library and Information Sciences

    Application information

    To apply for this scholarship, students must submit an online application and the below application materials.

    Essay

    Academic transcript

    Letter of recommendation

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    Scholarship FAQ

    Is this scholarship open to international students?

    Yes, this scholarship is open to U.S. Citizens, Canadian Citizens and international students.

    Who should I contact with any questions about this scholarship?

    For any questions regarding this scholarship application, please contact U.S. Department of Defense at [email protected].

    Where can I find help writing my scholarship essay?

    For help writing the essay component of this scholarship application, check out our guides How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay and How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples).

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