CIS Student Awarded Top DOD Scholarship
Sherry Neher, a Computer Information Systems student at Fullerton College, was awarded the Department of Defense (DOD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship to complete a Master’s Degree in Cyber Defense at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota.
This award provides students with full tuition for up to five years, 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 more than 200 of the nation’s most 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, Neher will work at Air Force Research Lab Space Vehicles Directorate – Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Neher is currently completing an Associate of Science degree in Computer Information Systems with a Cybersecurity focus at Fullerton College in May. Neher said, “I’m thrilled and honored to be a recipient of this very competitive scholarship and excited about the opportunity to pursue this new direction academically and professionally in my life.”
The Department of Defense is the largest employer of scientists and engineers in the nation, with nearly 300,000 STEM professionals. For over a decade, SMART has trained a highly-skilled STEM workforce that competes with the industry’s evolving trends 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.
ABOUT THE SMART PROGRAM
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. students to gain technical skills in critical STEM fields and support the national security mission of the Department of Defense.
