Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Program: Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART)
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To partner with like-minded organizations in managing the Department's merit-based SMART scholarship program and in awarding scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in any of the 22 STEM disciplines of critical importance to the national security mission. The SMART Scholarship Program also offers internships to all scholars and guaranteed placement into a civilian STEM position after completion of a post-secondary academic degree.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Small Business Person
- Not-for-Profit Organization
- Nonprofit Organization
- For-Profit Organization
Subject Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Other public institution/organization, Small business (less than 500 employees), Profit organization, Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Quasi-public nonprofit institution/organization, Other private institutions/organizations
Subject to language in funding opportunity announcement.
Beneficiaries
- Veteran (including dependents)
- U.S. Citizen
- Graduate and Professional Higher Education
- University Higher Education
- Adult (20–64)
- Scientist / Researcher
- Engineer / Architect
- Teen (13–19)
- Senior Citizen (65+)
All applicants for scholarships must be at least 18 years of age by January 1 following an awarded scholarship and U.S. citizens. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree majoring in a DoD-relevant STEM field. Participants will be required to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance and complete summer internships at a DoD lab or facility. Upon completion of their degree, applicants are expected to work full-time for the DoD to complete a one for one service commitment.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
After merit review is completed, awards will be negotiated, and POCs will be contacted.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: > 180 Days
Program details & compliance
Description
The SMART Scholarship Program is executed under a five-year cooperative agreement award that was last issued in FY22. Activities include program administration of the SMART application, selection, and award cycles, communication and receipt of scholar requirements, internships, SMART information management system maintenance, strategic outreach initiatives, management of SMART scholar benefits, communications with SMART Sponsoring Facilities, and program evaluations and assessments.
Mission Categories
Primary: Research and Development
Other categories:
STEM Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Execute the SMART Scholarship Program under a cooperative agreement to include SMART application, selection, and award cycle, internships, SMART information management system maintenance, strategic outreach initiatives, management of SMART scholar benefits, communication about and collection of scholar requirements, communication and partnership with DoD Sponsoring Facilitates, program evaluations and assessments, and processing of default cases.
Restrictions
Financial assistance through scholarships provided to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in a DoD-relevant STEM field. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning, e.g., university, college, etc.
Required Documentation
Applicants should reference the funding announcement on grants.gov. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
*Selected this option since a prompt to select no matching requirement does not exist. Per reference guide above, indicated on the description that this program has no statutory formula.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements