Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship

With approximately 300,000 civilian scientists and engineers, the Department of Defence (DoD) is the federal government’s largest employer of STEM workers. For students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Department of Defence (DoD) funds the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Programme.

By establishing the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship (Dellums SMART Scholarship) in 2023, the SMART Programme increased the eligibility for its scholarship program. Congress created the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship to recognize the lifelong contributions of Representative Dellums and to promote the inclusion of minority students in the DoD STEM workforce.

The SMART scholarship program is now open to rising college freshmen who intend to study one of the 24 SMART STEM subjects for a bachelor’s degree. Seniors in high school may apply for the Dellums SMART Scholarship.

Applications are especially encouraged from students who want to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Institutions, or Institutions Serving Minorities. Anyone who meets the qualifications can apply for the Dellums SMART Scholarship.

Every year, from August 1 to December 1, you can apply.

What benefits of the Dellums SMART Scholarship? 

• Full Tuition  
• $30,000 Annual Stipend  
• Summer Internships  
• Experienced Mentor  
• Book and Health Allowance  
• Civilian Department of Defense Employment  

Read More: Boston University Scholarship 2023 in USA

Eligibility Requirements?

• U.S. Citizen  
• 18 Years or Older by the Completion of the Student’s First College Term 
• Rising Freshman Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree In, or Closely Related To, One of the SMART STEM Disciplines 
• Graduate High School with a Minimum 3.0 GPA   
• Maintain a College/University 3.0 GPA
• Ability to Complete Summer Internships  
• Obtain and Maintain a Security Clearance  
• Accept Full-Time Civilian Employment with the Department of Defense, After Graduation 

If a student can produce a college transcript, they are not eligible for the Dellums SMART Scholarship but may be eligible for the SMART Scholarship. To learn more and check your eligibility, visit the Eligibility page. 

Honoring the Life of Ronald V. Dellums: A Legacy of Change 

The Honourable Ronald V. Dellums (1935-2018), a longtime politician who served as Oakland’s mayor from 2007 to 2011, was also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, committed social worker, and civil rights activist. He was born in Oakland, California.

During the 103rd Congress (1993–1955), Dellums was both the first African American and the first black chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. The Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship was established by Congress as a tribute to Representative Ronald Dellums’ (CA) lifetime work with the aim of increasing the representation of underrepresented students in the DoD STEM workforce.

Also see: Fully Funded: Success Scholarships in Turkey 2023

Still, have more questions on the Dellums SMART Scholarship? Email SMART at [email protected].