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U.S. Military Offers Prestigious STEM Scholarships
The Department of Defense (DoD)'s SMART Scholarship supports top-performing high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees.
Joseph Sampson
June 13, 2025 • 6 minutes
What’s Happening Today!
Welcome to a new & exciting daily post from That Black Chemist!
The U.S. DoD is offering a full-ride STEM scholarship through its prestigious SMART Scholarship Program. If you’re a driven student at a 4-year university, applications open this August, so shoot high and apply with confidence!
Lab safety protocol typically goes ignored… until something goes wrong. Read about how I nearly cost a thousand-dollar mistake working alone in the lab.
Thanks for staying around for another awesome week of internship, scholarship, and research information from That Black Chemist!
Upcoming Opportunities
🎓 DoD’s SMART Scholarship Awards Top STEM Talent
The U.S. DoD is opening up applications for the prestigious SMART scholarship this Fall. Applicants who qualify for the funding receive full tuition to any U.S. college or university, an annual stipend between $30,000-$46,000, and summer internships at DoD stations.
Students are expected to embark on a DoD civilian career after graduating. If you’re excited about a career in military technology, don’t miss this opportunity!
📅 Scholarship Details
Tuition Coverage: Full
Application Window: August 1 - December 5, 2025
Administered by: The U.S. Department of Defense
Apply Here: [Link to Application]
✅ Eligibility
Citizen of the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or U.K.
Planning to attend or enrolled in a U.S. college or university.
Planning to pursue or currently pursuing a STEM-related degree.
Willing to accept a post-graduation civilian service commitment with the DoD
⚠️ Bonus Opportunities You Should Know
🧪 NSF REU Summer Research Programs: List of funded undergrad research programs. (Search here)
💰 NASA OSTEM Internships: List of NASA Internships for high school and undergraduate STEM students (More info).
🎓 Access-Ability Scholarship - Johnson & Johnson and Lime Connect-sponsored scholarship opportunity (Link).
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Scientist’s Scroll
🔥 Story Time: I Accidently Started a Fire in the Lab
During my time as an undergraduate researcher, I learned a lot—such as how to design synthesis experiments, troubleshoot instruments, and export data in various formats. But one thing I hadn’t fully grasped yet? Basic lab safety.
One morning between classes, I decided to clean out some old glassware from previous reactions. I grabbed a bottle of acetone and sprayed it into the glassware to loosen the residue then emptied it into a waste beaker, unaware of what chemicals were already inside.
Big mistake.
Just minutes before my next class, a reaction occurred between the leftover contaminants and the acetone waste, causing the beaker to catch fire right in front of me.
Thankfully, I stayed calm, grabbed the nearest water source, and quenched the flames before they spread with no injuries or damage. But it was a wake-up call I’ll never forget: know your waste, respect your chemicals, and always follow lab safety protocols.
Tip of the Day
👨🏾🔬 Always Seek Mentors
Whether you're running titrations in a lab, wiring a circuit board, or preparing for college applications, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. No matter how smart or independent you are, having a mentor can dramatically accelerate your growth and help you avoid common mistakes. Here’s why:
🧭 Guidance Through Uncertainty: Mentors have already navigated the path you're on and can help you avoid roadblocks.
⚙️ Career & Academic Insight: They can recommend internships, research opportunities, and professional skills you might overlook.
🤝 Networking Support: A good mentor can introduce you to valuable contacts in industry or academia.
🧪 Constructive Feedback: Mentors help you improve your work, whether it’s a resume, a lab report, or a prototype.
🚀 Confidence Boost: Knowing someone has your back can give you the courage to take risks and aim higher.
Subscribe to explore daily research opportunities!
Today’s Theme: Fact or Fiction Friday
Congratulations on making it through the work week!
Ready to test your science savvy? 👇🏾 Vote if you think the statement below is fact or fiction and tell us why in the comments!
Statement: Gold will dissolve in water if the temperature is high enough.
Vote 'Fact' or 'Fiction'. Results revealed next Friday! |
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