Deadline: December 4, 2026
Applications are open for the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program 2027/2028. The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program awards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) scholarships to hundreds of incoming college freshmen, current college students, and current U.S. Department of War (DoW) civilian employees every year.
Funded by the DoW, SMART is a unique education and workforce development opportunity for aspiring STEM leaders. While pursuing their degrees, SMART scholars receive full tuition and an annual stipend that enables them to focus on their studies. Additionally, scholars participate in exciting summer internships at world-class DoW facilities, where they engage in cutting-edge research critical to national defense. These STEM internships provide scholars with mentorship from top scientists and engineers, opportunities to hone their skills, and solid foundations for their future careers. After graduation, scholars begin their one-for-one service commitment and embark on fulfilling DoW civilian careers, where they apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges, significantly contributing to national security and technological advancement.
By providing a pathway to education and an impactful career, the SMART Program accelerates the transition from STEM student to seasoned STEM professional, empowering the research leaders of tomorrow to focus on their passions today.
Scholarship
- SMART scholars receive full-tuition coverage for a minimum of one year and up to five years at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university. There is no cap on tuition assistance.
- SMART scholars receive annual stipends ranging from $30,000 to $46,000, depending on their degree level.
- Bachelor’s degree students receive $30,000 annually
- Master’s degree students receive $40,000 annually
- Doctoral degree students receive $46,000 annually
- The stipend payments are distributed monthly and are intended to support living expenses so scholars can fully focus on their studies.
- Every year, SMART scholars receive $1,000 to cover miscellaneous school expenses, such as books, technology, or other school supplies, as well as $2,500 to offset health-related costs.
- Students awarded the SMART Scholarship take part in summer internships that last 8-12 weeks at their Sponsoring Facility. These internships provide hands-on, real-world experience. During this time, scholars contribute to their facility’s mission and gain valuable skills for their future careers.
- SMART scholars are paired with experienced scientists, engineers, or researchers at their Sponsoring Facilities, who provide both educational and professional mentorship. Mentors support scholars’ development and prepare them for an impactful career with the DoW.
- After graduation, SMART scholars begin meaningful civilian careers with the DoW, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in support of the warfighters — without serving in the military. As part of this scholarship-for-service program, SMART scholars commit to one year of civilian employment at their Sponsoring Facility for every year they receive funding for their degree.
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom
- Be 18 years of age or older by January 1, 2028
- Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Be currently pursuing, or intend to pursue, education in Fall 2027*
- Planning to attend, or enrolled in, a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
- Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance**
- Be requesting between 1-5 years of degree funding (funding begins August 2027)
- Complete summer internships for awards greater than 1.5 years
- Accept a one-for-one post graduation service commitment as a civilian employee of the Department of War
*High school seniors and incoming college freshmen who will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fall 2027 are eligible to apply.
**Security clearances are initiated by a scholar’s Sponsoring Facility after award.
Application
Interested applicants should begin by reviewing the application instructions and researching Sponsoring Facilities. It’s important for applicants to select their top choices, as proper alignment between scholars and facilities is crucial for scholar success.
For more information, visit SMART Scholarship.
