K-State Center for Cybersecurity and Trustworthy Systems (K-CaTS)

SMART Scholarship

The Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes the need to support the education of America's future scientists and engineers. The 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. Students are also provided opportunities to continue their research in DoD civil service roles following graduation. The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program's goal is to produce the next generation of DoD science and technology (S&T) leaders.

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is open only to citizens of the United States (some exceptions apply; those with permanent resident status are not eligible). Students must be at least eighteen years of age to be eligible. Applicants for undergraduate awards must be currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university. Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in, or closely related to, one of the approved STEM disciplines with interest in research. Awardee must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Participating services include the United States Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, and Department of the Air Force.

SMART Scholars Benefits

  • Cash award paid at a rate of $25,000-$38,000 per year, depending on prior educational experience.

  • Full tuition and related educational expenses.

  • Health insurance allowance.

  • Summer internships (multi-year participants).

  • Post-graduation career opportunities.

How does it work?

Interested applicants complete an online application process and then contact their institution's scholarship liaison at cs-sfs@ksu.edu and be sure to mention their interest specifically in DoD SMART. SMART Scholarships are awarded to applicants who are pursuing a degree in, or closely related to, one of the approved STEM disciplines.

What will it accomplish?

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program improves the flow of new, highly skilled technical personnel into DoD facilities and agencies, while enhancing the technical skills of the workforce already in place.

STEM Disciplines

Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biosciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences, Computer and Computational Sciences/Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Industrial & Systems Engineering (technical tracks only), Information Sciences, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Oceanography, Operations Research (technical tracks), Physics