The Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest employer of STEM professionals in the federal government, with nearly 300,000 civilian scientists and engineers. The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students funded by the DoD.
In 2023, the SMART Program expanded the scholarship program eligibility by introducing the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship (Dellums SMART Scholarship). To honor the lifetime work of Representative Dellums, Congress established the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship, with the goal to increase participation of underrepresented students in the DoD STEM workforce. This opportunity expands the SMART scholarship opportunity to rising college freshmen who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the 24 SMART STEM disciplines. High school seniors are eligible to apply for the Dellums SMART Scholarship.
Students seeking to attend a Historically Black College and University, Minority Institution, or Minority Serving Institution are particularly encouraged to apply. The Dellums SMART Scholarship is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.
Awardees receive:
Full Tuition
$30,000 Annual Stipend
Summer Internships
Experienced Mentor
Book and Health Allowance
Civilian Department of Defense Employment