The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students.
Deadline: December
Value: Cash stipends are paid at a rate of $25,000 - $38,000 per year depending on degree level; Tuition and related educational fees will be paid directly to your university by Scholarship America.
Eligibility: Citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom at time of application; 18 or older by January 1 of the year you begin your internship or employment; Requesting at least 1 year of degree funding prior to graduation (which starts at the program start date); Able to complete at least one summer internship (multi-year scholars only); Willing to accept post-graduation employment with the DoD; In good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; Pursuing a technical undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the 21 STEM disciplines listed below; Able to produce a fall college transcript from a regionally accredited US college or university, OR be pursuing a graduate degree at a regionally accredited US college or university.
Major: STEM
Fellowship Type: Undergraduate, Graduate
UNH Supported Award: This means that the Fellowships Office offers information sessions/handouts and/or other programming to assist you with your application.
Nomination: No, but suggested to work with Fellowships Office.
SMART Application Deadline
National Deadline: December 5, 2025, 5:00pm ET.
SMART Recommended Steps and Timeline
- By October 10, 2025: (1) Familiarize yourself with the SMART website and begin reviewing DoD facilities, (2) Create an account and enter the basic information, (3) Make a list of professors/advisors/mentors you will ask for letters of recommendation, and (4) Let the Office of National Fellowships know you intend to apply (national.fellowships@unh.edu).
- By October 17, 2025: (1) Request transcripts and (2) Ask your recommenders if they are willing to write a letter for you.
- By October 24, 2025: (1) Review resume and edit to emphasize STEM experience (research, internships, etc.) and to highlight leadership, community engagement, and teamwork skills and (2) Draft your community/volunteer work, leadership, and teamwork experiences in a Word document and send to Office of National Fellowships (national.fellowships@unh.edu) for review.
- By October 31, 2025: (1) Identify your 2 - 3 preferred DoD facilities and (2) start drafting the Personal Statement.
- By November 7, 2025: Complete draft of Personal Statement and sent to Office of National Fellowships (national.fellowships@unh.edu) for review.
- November, 2025: Continue revising drafts. Reach out to the Office of National Fellowships if you are stuck.
- By November 28, 2025: Finalize your application materials.
- December 4, 2025: Submit your application prior to the application deadline to allow sufficient time to upload your materials.
- December 5, 2025, 5:00PM ET: National Deadline
