The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program has been established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories. The DoD offers this scholarship for service to individuals who demonstrate outstanding ability and special aptitude for a career in scientific and engineering research and product development, express interest in career opportunities at DoD laboratories and, are pursuing a degree in, or closely related to one of the following disciplines;

• Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
• Biosciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences
• Computer and Computational Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Geosciences
• Information Sciences
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Oceanography
• Operations Research
• Physics

The DoD is also interested in supporting the education of future scientists and engineers in a number of interdisciplinary, military technology areas that overlap the disciplines listed above. Applicants interested in studying in one of the interdisciplinary areas should apply under of the disciplines listed above and then indicate their specific areas of interest on their application.

During summer sessions, students will receive assignments as interns at DoD laboratories and agencies. After completion of their studies, SMART scholars will be employed in assignments aligned with their areas of interest and needs of the DoD.

Eligibility Requirements

All awardees must be;

• a U.S. citizen,
• 18 years of age or older as of August 1, 2008,
• able to participate in summer internships at DoD laboratories,
• willing to accept post-graduate employment with the DoD,
• a student in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (at all schools attended) and,
• pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the fields listed above.

In addition;
Undergraduate applicants must be currently enrolled in a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (i.e. undergraduate applicants must be at least freshman to apply and can apply for funding for their sophomore through senior years only).

*Graduate applicants can be either currently enrolled in a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or awaiting notification of admission to such. If awaiting admission, you must be accepted for entrance in the fall 2008 term.

*Graduate applicants must have taken the GRE within 5 years of the application deadline. Subject tests are not required.

Citizenship and Security Clearances

Proof of citizenship will be required upon award. Please be advised, if family members are not U.S. citizens, some agencies may be unable to process the participant for the appropriate security clearance. Every effort will be made to assign eligible students to DoD organizations without such restrictions but alternative placement is not guaranteed. Failure to obtain and maintain a security clearance is grounds for dismissal from the SMART Program.

Please consult the current web page from the Office of Personnel Management and a copy of the standard U.S. security clearance questionnaire (SF86) (PDF: 640KB) to determine your eligibility for a security clearance.

Approved Universities and Awardee Tenure

Scholarships are tenable only at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education offering degrees in scientific areas specified in this announcement; engineering programs must also be ABET accredited. During part of the student's tenure, he/she may study or engage in research or field work away from his/her academic institution if, in the judgment of the academic or research advisor and DoD mentor, such arrangements further the student's education and contribute directly to the attainment of a degree. The student must be officially enrolled and earning academic credit while engaging in research or fieldwork away from his/her academic institution.

The tenure of a SMART Scholarship is up to the time typically required to complete degree studies. However, second and subsequent year awards are contingent upon determination by the SMART Executive Agent that the student is making satisfactory academic progress towards a STEM degree. Participants must reapply to the SMART Program for consideration of subsequent awards.

Students must be enrolled in full-time accredited programs leading to a degree in a field specified in this announcement.

Financial Support

Participants in the SMART Scholarship for Service Program receive;

• Annual stipend ranging from $22,000 - $39,000 depending on prior educational experience
• Full tuition and related educational fees
• Book allowance of $1,000 per academic year
• Paid summer internships
• Employment placement after graduation

A SMART Program participant may not accept simultaneous remuneration from another major scholarship.

Students not completing or terminated from the program under the terms of the SMART Service Agreement (PDF: 52KB - Please note this is the 2007 agreement and the 2008 agreement is subject to change) must reimburse the federal government for any monies expended on their behalf under this program.

Students completing the program will be required to reimburse the federal government in accordance with the terms outlined in the information provided on the Award Details page and in the SMART Service Agreement (PDF: 52KB - Please note this is the 2007 agreement and the 2008 agreement is subject to change). However, students completing the program will not be required to reimburse the federal government if:

• a DoD position or alternate federal position is not available due to changes in staff requirements, organizational realignment or staff reductions;
• The Secretary of Defense determines seeking reimbursement is not in the Federal Government’s best interests.

Post-Graduation Employment Placement

Upon selection, awardees are assigned to the DoD laboratory he/she will be expected to serve as a summer intern and complete a period of post-graduation employment service as a DoD civilian.

Upon selection, awardees sign the SMART Service Agreement (PDF: 52KB - Please note this is the 2007 agreement and the 2008 agreement is subject to change). The employment obligation to the DoD civilian Science and Engineering (S&E) workforce upon graduation is a one-to- one commitment. For each academic year a participant is supported, he/she is required to commit to one year (12 months) of civilian employment with the DoD. Students will be placed in DoD laboratories in civilian positions and must be geographically mobile for placement following graduation.

Failure to complete the required period of service will require the reimbursement of funds expended by the government on the individual's behalf under this program.

Students may select up to 5 preferred DoD laboratories for placement. Every effort will be made to place awardees with one of their identified preferences but such placement is not guaranteed. All awardees are notified of their placement upon award notification.

A partial list of participating organizations can be found on the Employment Opportunities page. Updates to this list will be made periodically.

About the SMART Program Office

The SMART Program Office is located at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California. As the Executive Agent for SMART, NPS manages the program on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD).

NPS has a rich history and tradition of offering graduate programs in most STEM disciplines with degree programs tailored to support established and emerging needs of the DoD. This expertise insures SMART awardees receive a broad range of support services while completing their degrees at universities throughout the country.

Please visit our website for more information http://www.nps.edu/Admissions/index.html.