Anthony Solomon from Hampton University Awarded SMART Scholarship

Courtesy of Hampton University

 Anthony Solomon, a Hampton University student, was awarded the Department of Defense Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship.

This 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 unique opportunity offers students hands-on experience at one of over 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, gaining valuable technical skills. After graduation, Solomon will work at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in Springfield, VA.

“School of Engineering and Technology students always shine,” said Dr. Joyce T. Shirazi, Dean of the Hampton University School of Engineering and Technology. “Anthony Solomon is an extremely talented Computer Engineering sophomore.  Not only is his entire education at Hampton University completely funded by the Department of Defense, including monthly stipends and health insurance, but as a SMART Scholar, he will have summer internships throughout his time at Hampton University and a job waiting for him upon graduation. The university’s last SMART Scholar, Kristopher Small, another Computer Engineering student, graduated in 2021 and he is currently working in support of the national security mission of the Department of Defense and planning to become an astronaut. Only the top students are selected into the SMART Scholarship Program, which is one of the most prestigious in the country.”

Solomon is currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, with focus in Signal Processing.

“My goal was to be debt free after completing college and to avoid loans as much as possible,” said Solomon. “I knew it wouldn’t hurt to apply for the SMART scholarship, so I gave it a try. Although it took hard-work, time, sacrifice, and perseverance to reach this point, it was all worth it! I shouted and thanked the Lord for this huge accomplishment!”

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. DoD STEM activities support this mission by providing authentic learning experiences through a variety of education and outreach initiatives, such as the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program. 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.

For more information on the SMART Program or to learn how students can apply, please visit www.smartscholarship.org. The application is open annually from August through December.