DoD SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

SMART is a scholarship-for-service program established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance the workforce with qualified civilian scientists, researchers, and engineers. SMART offers students pursuing STEM degrees full tuition, an annual stipend, book and health insurance allowances, summer internships, and guaranteed civilian employment with the DoD upon graduation. Scholars work as scientists, engineers, or researchers at one of over 150 innovative laboratories across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and larger DoD within the United States.

By providing a pathway to education and a fulfilling career, SMART empowers the
research leaders of tomorrow to focus on their passions.

DoD’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The DoD is committed to successfully attracting, recruiting, developing, and retaining a highly skilled and diverse workforce capable of meeting current and future national security needs. The DoD SMART Program follows this commitment through its strategic recruiting and academic partnerships. Academic partnerships across the nation enable the SMART Program to foster a diverse and representative DoD civilian workforce through mutually beneficial opportunities.

The application is open annually from August 1 to the first Friday in December.