EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- There are less than 100 days left to apply for the little-known Defense Department scholarship for service program for 2024.
The program known as the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation provides three types of scholarships with deadlines ending Dec. 6. The goal is to recruit, educate, employ and develop of the future DOD civilian STEM workforce.
Jamie Mize, 96th Test Support Squadron Talent Acquisition Program Manager reiterated the vision of the program is to develop pathways for a diverse, technically proficient, and innovative talent pool needed to maintain the technological edge of a DOD workforce ready to meet U.S. national security needs.
The scholarships are:
SMART Scholarship: For students currently enrolled at a college or university, or with previous college credit, who intend to pursue another degree.
Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship: For students with no previous college credit, who intend to pursue a bachelor's degree.
Retention Scholarship. This scholarship is for those currently employed by the DOD with plans to pursue a degree in a STEM discipline.
Eglin’s own, Zachary Pannell, with the 782nd Test Squadron, is a retention scholarship recipient. Currently, his tuition is 100% covered through the program. Pannell said even with civilian tuition assistance he had out-of-pocket expenses for specific courses prior to the SMART scholarship.
Pannell added another benefit of the program is time to focus on school. Those in the SMART program are allowed to put a large emphasis on schoolwork and degrees within their work center, while assisting the unit in certain ways.
The electronics engineer also recommended the program for continued self-improvement. He said a higher level of study offers more detailed insight into subject matters and gives workplaces more knowledge on subjects that may never be discussed in an undergraduate program.
“I feel my program at NC State gives me a knowledge base I enjoy learning, but has some applicability into my workplace environment,” said Pannell, who graduates from the program in December. “All of these benefits combined make being in the program a wonderful and successful experience.”
Pannell offered some tips on the SMART application process for anyone interested in applying:
- Begin as soon as possible
The three letters of recommendation and letter of support, require someone else’s time and they should be given ample time to complete it and not feel rushed to meet the December close date, said Pannell.
- Be opened minded to opportunities within the retention scholarship program.
Applicants may be offered multiple options noted on their application, so they may have phone interviews from other units offering a scholarship, he added.
- Have a school in mind when applying.
It helps with paperwork in the long term, said Pannell.
To learn more about the program and to apply, please follow the link.