The Unofficial SMART Scholarship Forum

I did a google news search for "scholarship for service" and found this article:
http://www.laserfocusworld.com/news/2013/04/18/defense-authorization-nl-committee-house-armed-services-nl-subcommittee-intelligence-emerging-threat.html

DEFENSE-AUTHORIZATION; COMMITTEE: HOUSE ARMED SERVICES; SUBCOMMITTEE: INTELLIGENCE, EMERGING THREATS AND CAPABILITIES
04/18/2013
TESTIMONY-BY: MR. ALAN R. SHAFFER, ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY
AFFILIATION: DEFENSE RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING

I then searched the article for "SMART" to find information regarding this scholarship program:

-a) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE
As part of the strategic workforce planning initiative, the Department has completed two assessments of its Scientist and Engineer (S&E) workforce this year - the Science and Technology (S&T) Functional Community assessment and the Technical Workforce of the Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories (STRLs) assessment. The S&T Functional Community assessment focused on the mission critical occupation of Computer Scientists indicated that there is increasing demand across the Department for highly skilled and highly trained individuals in emerging fields like cyber research, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. The assessment also found that many of the skills necessary for the Department are best cultivated in-house because of the high degree of specialization needed and multi-disciplinary requirements. The SMART program (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) was identified as a critical tool for successfully attracting, training, and preparing the future workforce. Using SMART, we have been able to compete for very high-quality talent.

-d) SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)
In addition to taking care of today's workforce, the ASD(R&E) has responsibility for the S&E workforce of tomorrow. The Department depends on over 100,000 S&E as well as other STEM professionals. In 2011, we established the STEM Executive Board which provides strategic leadership to the Department's STEM initiatives. The Board is comprised of Senior Executive Service-level representatives from the Services; USD Personnel and Readiness; Intelligence; and representatives of key acquisition Components, and provides strategic coordination of DoD's STEM investments. Specifically, the STEM Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan align the Department's investments with DoD STEM workforce requirements and with Administration STEM guidance, including robust, on-going impact assessments.
The future of the Department's STEM workforce depends on a robust education system that provides diverse pathways into STEM to meet the Department's mission. Numerous studies in recent years have called our attention to the need to improve STEM skills of U.S. students, who have fallen behind other nations. Through basic science workshops, increased funding for university research and other dedicated STEM programs, we are trying to stay connected to universities.
Within the ASD(R&E) portfolio, we have the National Defense Education Program (NDEP). This program supports the scholarship- for-service Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) program, which provides financial support for undergraduate and graduate degrees in 19 STEM fields that are critical to the Department's future. Under SMART, we have attracted over 1,500 top quality researchers. To date over 700 students have completed their degrees and entered the DoD workforce. Of these, 82% remain employed in the DoD beyond their service commitment. We continue to make use of the SMART program to improve our workforce.

-SMART
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) is a Scholarship-for-Service program designed to produce the next generation of DoD S&T Leaders as our current workforce is aging and eligible to retire. The program accomplishes this goal by providing support to undergraduate and graduate students for their educational expenses in exchange for service in our DoD facilities. This program matches the SMART scholars with DoD laboratories and other Defense agencies where mentors transfer their STEM knowledge to the students and introduce them to the DoD culture beginning with internships and culminating in full- time employment at those facilities. The Department is asking for a revision of the SMART legislation that would create three major benefits; (1) increased flexibility to administer the program, (2) reduced stipends to make them more consistent with other Federal scholarship-for service programs, and (3) removal of the restriction that only United States citizens can participate in the program.

*****NOTE: (2) reduced stipends to make them more consistent with other Federal scholarship-for service programs*****

*FYI*, saw this on the SMART FB page as a response to a post on if the March 31st deadline is still current. Figured someone might want to know.

Smart Scholarship for Service Program
"The Sponsoring facilities are still reviewing and interviewing the applicants. Due to the uncertainty over the federal budget, DoD decided to indicate Summer of 2013 to account for possible delays, but they still hope to be in a position to make award announcements earlier."
March 29 at 10:19am · Like


Obviously March 31st was not the deadline but I hope we will not have to wait until May. Sometime this month would be great.

I talked to someone from the program today and they said that DOD plans to give approximately 150 awards this year.

Having worked for the DoD for several years, I am a little bewildered why anyone would apply to the SMART program to obtain solely a master's degree. From experience, if you work for the DoD, they will pay for that anyway. I would think the better approach would be to first get hired by the DoD and then have them pay for your master's. It's common throughout industry as well. Good companies pay for their employees to obtain master's degrees. A bachelor's or a PhD I understand, but a master's, there is an easier way.


Educational background: BS Science Education, BS Mechanical Engineering, MS Physics, MS Engineering Mgmt, MS Mechanical Engineering (in process)

If I already have a summer internship set up with my top choice for facility, will that positively affect my chances of getting SMART? I'm assuming it will not negatively affect my chances

[quote="Gambit1055"]I have made it into the final cuts as well. I did not expect to make it this far so I feel lucky. To all that did not make it, You have my condolences. Good luck to the rest. Just remember that they only took 130 out of 3200 last year.[/quote]

These are not the "final cuts" The first cut is basically a pre-screen. They check your citizenship, grades, etc for any obvious shortcomings or failings. The vast majority of people that have made it to this round won't get the scholarship.

It is the government. Every part of you application was given points and the ones with the highest points made it to the next round (50%). Now how it was weighted is the question? I can give 90% points to leadership section and the rest to every other part of the applicaiton. So those who made it are not that much better then the ones who did not or underestimated their contributions to the DOD. Did you not notice the 10 bonus points for vetern for government applications? Just like an exam you fillout each question and get as many points that you can.


[quote="Always Vicktorious"]I am a 2nd yr MS-PhD grad student at Georgia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering: 3.75 GPA, ~4 yrs of STEM teaching experience (Engineering TA, TF & Math Coach), 2 yrs of research experience, & 2.5 yrs of work experience in the private & public sector.

I am thankful to have made it to the next round.

From reading this forum, I personally feel that some applicants who had the potential to make it past the 1st cut underestimated the weight of articulating how he/she can be a unique asset to DoD in their app. To be quite frank every1 in this forum demonstrated based on their academic achievements that they have a good foundation in problem solving. Because I anticipated this, rather than simply painting a picture of my achievements in my app, I really focused on answering the positive impacts that have resulted from my experiences and how they'll translate effectively into DoD. I worked with my mentors on trying to drive this message across in a concise manner given the small amount of characters we had to work with.[/quote]

It is the government. Every part of you application was given points and the ones with the highest points made it to the next round (50%). Now how it was weighted is the question? I can give 90% points to leadership section and the rest to every other part of the applicaiton. So those who made it are not that much better then the ones who did not or underestimated their contributions to the DOD. Did you not notice the 10 bonus points for vetern for government applications? Just like an exam you fillout each question and get as many points that you can.


[quote="Always Vicktorious"]I am a 2nd yr MS-PhD grad student at Georgia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering: 3.75 GPA, ~4 yrs of STEM teaching experience (Engineering TA, TF & Math Coach), 2 yrs of research experience, & 2.5 yrs of work experience in the private & public sector.

I am thankful to have made it to the next round.

From reading this forum, I personally feel that some applicants who had the potential to make it past the 1st cut underestimated the weight of articulating how he/she can be a unique asset to DoD in their app. To be quite frank every1 in this forum demonstrated based on their academic achievements that they have a good foundation in problem solving. Because I anticipated this, rather than simply painting a picture of my achievements in my app, I really focused on answering the positive impacts that have resulted from my experiences and how they'll translate effectively into DoD. I worked with my mentors on trying to drive this message across in a concise manner given the small amount of characters we had to work with.[/quote]

[quote="Always Vicktorious"]I am a 2nd yr MS-PhD grad student at Georgia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering: 3.75 GPA, ~4 yrs of STEM teaching experience (Engineering TA, TF & Math Coach), 2 yrs of research experience, & 2.5 yrs of work experience in the private & public sector.

I am thankful to have made it to the next round.

From reading this forum, I personally feel that some applicants who had the potential to make it past the 1st cut underestimated the weight of articulating how he/she can be a unique asset to DoD in their app. To be quite frank every1 in this forum demonstrated based on their academic achievements that they have a good foundation in problem solving. Because I anticipated this, rather than simply painting a picture of my achievements in my app, I really focused on answering the positive impacts that have resulted from my experiences and how they'll translate effectively into DoD. I worked with my mentors on trying to drive this message across in a concise manner given the small amount of characters we had to work with.[/quote]


I couldn't agree more Always Vicktorious. Not to say that those who didn't make it lack communication skills, but the tone that is set can be "felt" by the reader. With thousands of statements to read, you could lose your reader in the first paragraph if something does not immediately catch his/her interest. It's like a resume. I've heard that recruiters often spend up to 30 seconds looking at a resume and they focus on the top half. In essence, whatever you can do for their company or bring to the table had better be noticeable immediately. I also spent quality time preparing these statements to accurately communicate what strengths, knowledge, etc. I could bring to the DoD because if I'm a recruiter I want to know what you can do for my company. The DoD can handle their end (even though this has become a hot topic in recent years!) so they want to make sure that we can handle our end. Just my two.

@SequesterDemon
since there isn't a reduction in force, the scholars won't be taking your job. think about how they will be affected by a 20% pay cut, just the same as you. we are in this together, so think about welcoming the new people instead of planning to shake them down for lunch money.

Sorry to shed some negativity for all of those that have made it this far, but sequestration is absolutely happening this Friday so don't get to encouraged regarding "available funds" in relation to the smart scholarship. In addition, please consider all of the civilian employees being furloughed starting the end of April and how this will transcend into the next decade. As a civilian DoD employee, we are not at all excited about the possibility of losing our positions while so called "scholars" are coming in. Just don't expect the red carpet treatment!

Is any1 aware of whether any candidate has been awarded the DoD SMART fellowship to work for an office/lab that was originally not indicated in the app list of preferences? I am aware of several DoD groups that people added to their preference this year despite them not being indicated in the app. Do you think those candidates changes can hurt or work to their advantage?

Did any1 reached out to the DoD labs & offices that they included in their app preferences in order to gain more knowledge of their operations, structure, # of DoD SMART candidates they are targeting, etc. For those current candidates who did so, how were the responses that you received, and do you think they would be helpful for your interview? For those past awardees, what advise can you give us about directly contacting DoD labs & offices to seek out info? Is this seen as intrusive or proactive? And why? What boundaries should we watch out not to cross if you think making such contacts is acceptable?

I am a 2nd yr MS-PhD grad student at Georgia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering: 3.75 GPA, ~4 yrs of STEM teaching experience (Engineering TA, TF & Math Coach), 2 yrs of research experience, & 2.5 yrs of work experience in the private & public sector.

I am thankful to have made it to the next round.

From reading this forum, I personally feel that some applicants who had the potential to make it past the 1st cut underestimated the weight of articulating how he/she can be a unique asset to DoD in their app. To be quite frank every1 in this forum demonstrated based on their academic achievements that they have a good foundation in problem solving. Because I anticipated this, rather than simply painting a picture of my achievements in my app, I really focused on answering the positive impacts that have resulted from my experiences and how they'll translate effectively into DoD. I worked with my mentors on trying to drive this message across in a concise manner given the small amount of characters we had to work with.

a

[quote="Alpha Gamma Darling"]I know this is very future thinking, but if awards are not announced until summer, will orientation still be in July? This is a concern since I will be in Ghana and wouldn't be able to attend[/quote]

This year there was not an orientation. It was a half hour phone call with someone from the program to replace the orientation.

I know this is very future thinking, but if awards are not announced until summer, will orientation still be in July? This is a concern since I will be in Ghana and wouldn't be able to attend


Also, congrats to everyone who made it! After reading through this thread, I feel like there is an incredibly wide variety of people that made it to the second round

I have made it into the final cuts as well. I did not expect to make it this far so I feel lucky. To all that did not make it, You have my condolences. Good luck to the rest. Just remember that they only took 130 out of 3200 last year.

Moving on to the next level as well.

Freshman at MIT, most likely majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Pre-med isn't a major. And you realize that if you take this you'll be delaying going to med school or 3+ years, right?

I was also accepted.

Sophomore computer science major specializing in computational biology, 4.0 GPA, research experience but no internship experience.

Best of luck to all!

I passed this round which really surprises me. I am a freshman pre-med major, who is looking to go into the field of pathology with the DoD. It really surprises me that I made it this far. Might not get much further this year but I will definitely keep trying.

DENIED

Greetings readers. I am a lurker of the board and have been since the beginning of my application process. I thought as a favor to the board, I would post, for posterity, who I am so that others have information to compare against.

29 years old, 28 at time of application
male
Chemical Engineering
GPA 3.7
Applied for 2.5 years of funding to complete my Bachelor's and accelerated Master's

enrolled at private engineering tech university as a junior, recommendation letters from current ChemE faculty at university

transferred from a community college once i received my AA

Involved in undergraduate research at the university on bioreactors for biofuel/chemical conversion

Have not been a part of any engineering internships

Before college, spent 6 years working in information technology, and retail jobs before that, so I am a non-traditional student.

Good luck to those still in the running. I'm pretty crushed, but I'm sure I'll find other means to support my education. It's more a blow to my personal pride and self-esteem.

Did anyone else notice that the email sent yesterday says awards will be announced in SUMMER of 2013? Does that mean the March 31 notification date is no longer?

a

Denied as a junior physics major from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a 3.65 GPA, 2 summers research at CERN, a year research for IceCube, and letters of rec from two project managers for CMS. Pretty crazy that I wasn't even in the top half; must be some outstanding students applying for this. Good luck to everyone.