Victoria Marie Soroten Awarded SMART Scholarship
Victoria Marie Soroten, pursuing a Bachelor of Science at University of California, Irvine, has been awarded the highly competitive Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship on April 1, 2026.
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program provides full tuition, an annual stipend, a paid summer internship, a dedicated mentor, and Department of War (DoW) civilian employment upon graduation. This merit-based opportunity opens doors to over 100 cutting-edge federal Sponsoring Facilities across the United States, providing scholars hands-on experience in their field to advance critical and emerging technologies for national security initiatives. During their summer internships, scholars are paired with experienced DoW mentors to enhance their technical expertise for key DoW priorities. Upon completing their studies, Soroten will work full-time at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in JBPHH, HI.
Soroten is currently studying Software Engineering. “I am thrilled to join a community that values technical curiosity and rigorous engineering. This opportunity allows me to combine my background in the life sciences with my studies in software engineering to solve complex, large-scale problems. Through the SMART program, I look forward to contributing to national security by building reliable, innovative systems that support the DoW,” said Soroten.
The DoW is the largest employer of federal scientists and engineers, with nearly 300,000 civilian STEM professionals. The SMART Scholarship-for-Service program plays a pivotal role in developing the nation’s future STEM workforce by recruiting and developing top-talent for the DoW. Initiatives like the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, combined with other federal education and outreach efforts, continue to build the future STEM workforce, upholding our nation’s scientific and technological edge.
For more details on the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program and application guidelines, interested students are encouraged to visit www.smartscholarship.org. The application is open annually from August 1 through the first Friday in December.
ABOUT THE SMART PROGRAM
SMART is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) focused scholarship-for-service program and is one of the largest education and workforce initiatives under the Department of War (DoW) STEM – the Department’s comprehensive K-20 STEM education and talent development effort. SMART sponsors undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral study students in academic disciplines critical to national security and DoW’s future by providing full tuition, annual stipends, summer internships, and guaranteed civilian employment at a DoW laboratory or agency. In return, scholars agree to a one-for-one employment commitment at a DoW Sponsoring Facility after obtaining their degree. Since inception in 2006, the program has
awarded more than 6,000 scholarships.
Contact: Outreach@smartscholarship.org