About the opportunity
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is a unique opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students to advance their education and jumpstart their careers. As the largest education and workforce development initiative under the Department of War STEM Program, SMART provides merit-based scholarships to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees. Scholarship recipients receive full tuition to any U.S. accredited college or university, annual stipends ranging from $30,000 to $46,000 depending on degree level, hands-on experience during summer internships at over 150 mission-critical Department of War facilities, and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of War upon graduation.
Salary and benefits
- Full tuition coverage at any U.S. accredited college or university
- Annual stipends ranging between $30,000 and $46,000 depending on the degree level
- Guaranteed summer internships at over 150 Department of War facilities
- Guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of War after graduation
Who can apply?
- Must be a student pursuing a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree
- Open to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students
When to apply
- Applications open annually on August 1
- Applications close on the first Friday in December
How to apply
- Check eligibility through the official SMART program portal
- Complete and submit the online application via the SMART registration page before the deadline
Additional information
- Over 6,510 scholarships have been awarded to date across more than 202 sponsoring facilities.
- The program maintains a 91% successful completion rate of the post-graduation service commitment.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- An exceptional opportunity for current or prospective STEM students seeking complete financial coverage for their tuition alongside a guaranteed career path.
- Ideal for individuals interested in applied research and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomy, space, and 5G.
- Provides invaluable hands-on professional mentorship and immersive summer internship experiences directly within Department of War facilities.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires a mandatory post-graduation civilian employment service commitment with the Department of War.
- Open strictly to students enrolled in or applying to U.S. accredited colleges or universities pursuing approved STEM disciplines.
- Applicants must commit to completing summer internships at designated Department of War sponsoring facilities during their studies.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program perfectly aligns with the goals of students aiming to eliminate the financial burden of a STEM degree while securing a stable, mission-driven professional career immediately upon graduation. It bridges the gap between academic study and practical defense-related innovation, making it an excellent launching pad for long-term technical careers.
Our take
STEM undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students who are willing to commit to post-graduation public service should strongly consider applying for this comprehensive scholarship and career development opportunity.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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