Twenty years ago, the Department of War (DoW) launched the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program with a bold vision: a transformational civilian STEM workforce, driven by purpose and united by mission, to advance national security. This year, as SMART celebrates its 20th anniversary, that vision is embodied by its largest cohort of 650 scholars from across the country who have chosen not only careers in STEM but a calling to serve the nation.
Through its scholarship-for-service model, SMART provides a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students by offering awardees full tuition, an annual stipend, an experienced mentor, an internship, and a civilian career with the Department after graduation. Scholars are mentored in critical technology areas and obtain sponsorship from facilities across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and larger DoW.
This year’s awardees are currently pursuing their bachelor’s degree (46%), master’s degree (18%), a combined bachelor’s and master’s (18%) or a doctoral degree (18%) in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. SMART scholars gain valuable technical skills and hands-on experience by interning at one of 150 DoW facilities that align with their academic backgrounds and career goals, as well as the Department’s technical needs.
Continuing two decades of meaningful research and technological superiority, SMART has become a cornerstone of the Department’s strategy to recruit, develop, and retain exceptional STEM talent dedicated to protecting and supporting our warfighters.
“SMART was created at a pivotal moment, when the Department recognized that sustaining our technological edge meant confronting a growing shortage of highly skilled STEM professionals. Twenty years later, we see how SMART turned that challenge into an opportunity. This year’s largest cohort is proof that when we invest in students and connect their education directly to civilian careers across the Department, we cultivate a highly skilled, technologically advanced workforce whose expertise underpins our national security and supports our warfighters every day,” said Charlotte George, SMART Program Manager.
Since inception, SMART has awarded over 6,500 scholarships with 91% of scholars successfully completing the program.
Annually, the SMART Program accepts applications beginning August 1 until the first Friday in December. Interested scholars should be pursuing a degree in STEM and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. To apply or learn more about the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, visithttps://[www.smartscholarship.org](http://www.smartscholarship.org).
SMART is the largest education and workforce initiative under DoW STEM and the National Defense Education Program (NDEP). DoW STEM is the Department’s comprehensive K-20 STEM education and talent development effort and oversees NDEP. NDEP’s mission addresses technical workforce development and recruitment.
To learn more about the Department’s comprehensive K-20 STEM education and talent development effort, visithttps://[dowstem.us/](https://dowstem.us/).
| Date Taken: |
08.11.2026 |
| Date Posted: |
08.11.2026 12:20 |
| Story ID: |
572119 |
| Location: |
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, US |
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