NDSU student Amanda Fetzer was awarded the Department of Defense’s Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarship, known as SMART.

“Ever since I first got into STEM, I wanted to learn about space and collaborate with NASA. Thanks to this SMART scholarship, that dream is now a reality,” said Fetzer, who is majoring in computer science, with a minor in robotics.

The award provides students with full tuition for up to five years, mentorship, summer internships, a stipend and full-time employment with the Department of Defense after graduation.

This opportunity offers students hands-on experience at one of more than 200 innovative laboratories across the Army, Navy, Air Force and larger Department of Defense. During summer internships, SMART scholars work directly with an experienced mentor. After graduation, Fetzer will work at the Kirtland Air Force research lab in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Department of Defense is committed to developing the Nation's STEM talent and is the largest employer of federal scientists and engineers with nearly 150,000 civilian STEM employees working across the department.

For over a decade, SMART has trained a highly skilled STEM workforce that competes with the evolving trends of industry to support the next generation of science and technology for our nation.

As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.