Employing nearly 300,000 civilian scientists and engineers, the Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest employer of STEM professions in the federal government.
To recruit the greatest minds in the STEM field, the department has created the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program—a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for STEM students to earn their degrees via funding from the DoD.
In 2023, the SMART Program expanded the scholarship program eligibility by introducing the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship, otherwise known as the Dellums SMART Scholarship, to honor U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ronald V. Dellums. Born in Oakland, California, Dellums served as a Marine, mayor, social worker, civil rights advocate and politician with the U.S. House of Representatives. He contributed as a representative from 1971 to 1998, making him the first African American to serve on the House Armed Services Committee and the first black Chairman of the committee during the 103rd Congress.
To honor his accomplishments and lifetime work, the Dellums SMART Scholarship was designed 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 also eligible to apply for the Dellums SMART Scholarship.
Students seeking to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Minority Institution or Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) are particularly encouraged to apply. The Dellums SMART Scholarship is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.
The application is open annually from August to December.
Benefits:
The benefits of the Dellums SMART Scholarship include:
Full tuition payment$30,000 annual stipendMentorshipSummer internshipsBook and health allowanceCivilian Department of Defense employment
Eligibility:
To be eligible to apply and receive the Dellums SMART Scholarship, applicants must identify as a U.S. citizen and be 18-years-old or older by January 1, 2026. Academically, students must also adhere to the following:
Be a rising freshman pursuing a bachelor’s degree in, or closely related to, one of the 24 SMART STEM disciplines. Have a 3.0 minimum GPA upon graduation.Maintain a 3.0 while enrolled at college/university.Open ability to complete summer internships.Obtain and maintain security clearance.Accept full-time civilian employment with the Department of Defense upon graduation.
It’s important to note that students that can produce a college transcript are not eligible for the Dellums SMART Scholarship, but may be eligible for the SMART Scholarship. For more information or to apply, visit smartscholarship.org or email smart@smartscholarship.org.
Read more articles for the Native Origins Community here.
