The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) actively participates in the Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program — one of the most comprehensive scholarships available for students pursuing STEM careers in national defense.

This prestigious program removes the financial stress of college by providing:

• Full tuition and education-related fees
• A generous annual stipend
• Summer internships with DoD laboratories
• Guaranteed civilian employment with NSWC IHD upon graduation

Accepted scholars can serve at NSWC IHD facilities in Indian Head, MD, the Pentagon (Arlington, VA), Picatinny, NJ, or McAlester, OK, gaining hands-on experience in energetics, robotics, autonomous systems, and other critical defense technologies.

Connecting Students to Opportunity Using tools and resources developed in SMART Creates, ETC now reaches out to all high school and undergraduate students who participate in our STEM and workforce development programs. These targeted briefings introduce participants to the SMART Scholarship Program, helping them navigate the application process and understand the clear pathway from internships to fully funded education and long-term careers with the DoW.

SMART Creates strengthens ETC’s mission to build sustainable talent pipelines by guiding promising students toward prestigious, debt-free educational opportunities and meaningful service in support of U.S. national security.