SMART Scholarship for Service Program
Full scholarship + guaranteed employment with U.S. Department of Defense upon graduation
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition and fees: Complete coverage of education costs
- Annual stipend: $30,000 – $46,000 depending on degree level
- Health insurance allowance: Up to $1,500 annually
- Book allowance: $1,000 per academic year
- Summer internships: Paid research experience at DoD facilities
- Job guarantee: Employment at DoD upon graduation
Service Commitment
Recipients commit to work for the Department of Defense for one year for each year of scholarship funding. This provides immediate career opportunities in cutting-edge research and development.
Ideal for Illinois Tech Students
- Computer Science: Cybersecurity, software development, AI/ML
- Electrical Engineering: Electronics, signal processing, communications
- Mechanical Engineering: Aerospace, robotics, materials
- Chemical Engineering: Advanced materials, energy systems
- Applied Mathematics: Modeling, simulation, cryptography
- Physics: Quantum technologies, sensors, advanced materials
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen (required for security clearance)
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in eligible STEM degree program
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Ability to obtain security clearance
- Commitment to post-graduation DoD employment
Application Timeline
Applications typically open in August and close in December. Early application is strongly recommended as this is a highly competitive program.
Application Support:
Contact: smart@asee.org | Phone: (202) 649-3831
Campus Support: Work with Illinois Tech Financial Aid Office
Security Clearance: Process begins after award notification
