SMART Scholarship

About the SMART Scholarship

The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program offers scholarships to undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students who have demonstrated ability and special aptitude for excelling in STEM fields. SMART recipients sign a “SMART Service Agreement,” an employment obligation to the Department of Defense (DoD) civilian science and technology workforce upon graduation.

Applicants MUST be pursuing a technical degree in a STEM discipline as specified on the scholarship website. SMART will not fund any management or non-technical degrees.

Participants in the SMART Scholarship for Service Program receive:
– Full tuition and education related fees (does not include items such as meal plans, housing, or parking)
– Stipend paid at a rate of $25,000 – $38,000 depending on degree level (may be prorated depending on award length)
– Summer research internships
– Health Insurance allowance
– Miscellaneous allowance of up to $1,000 per academic year
– Employment placement at a DoD facility upon degree completion

Eligible applicants:

– must be citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom at time of application
-at least 18 before the award begins
– able to participate in at least one summer internships at a DoD facility
– willing to accept post-graduate employment with the DoD
– in good academic 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 disciplines listed on the scholarship website
– requesting at least 1.5 years of degree funding prior to graduation (which starts at the program start date)
– awardee must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance

University endorsement required?

No

Citizenship requirement:

The SMART Scholarship application process:

Start by reviewing scholarship website for information on the application process, eligibility requirements and timeline and to determine whether it is a good fit for your academic background and career goals.

Watch some of the informational videos by current scholars that are posted on the website. Meet with your academic mentor and a CFSA advisor to discuss your interest and plans to apply.

The application opens August 1.

Application components include:
– an online application form including two 5,000 character statements
– official or unofficial transcripts
– SAT/ACT or GRE scores, when applicable
– three reference letters from individuals who have current or recent knowledge of your academic accomplishments

The application deadline is December 1.

Interested? Contact CFSA for more information on how to get started!

Advising contact:

Center for Fellowship & Scholarship Advising  Email:  cfsa@syr.edu More Information:  https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart