Social Mobility through Arkansas Tech

SMART Scholarship | Social Mobility through Arkansas Tech

The Social Mobility through ARkansas Tech (SMART) project is a multidisciplinary program at Arkansas Tech University (ATU), funded by the National Science Foundation’s S-STEM initiative. It is specifically designed to support academically talented students with financial need as they pursue degrees and careers in high-demand STEM fields.

We cover what’s left of your cost of attendance!

SMART is a last-dollar award: it applies after your other aid to close the remaining gap - up to $7,500 per semester ($15,000 per year), renewable each year you stay eligible. Awards vary by need.

What does the smart scholarship provide?

Financial Support: Renewable "last-dollar" scholarships (averaging $7,000 per year, up to a maximum of $15,000 annually) to help cover the full cost of attendance.
Mentoring: A multifaceted model pairing you with faculty, industry professionals, and alumni mentors.
Cohort Model: You will join a dedicated community of peers for formal and informal social activities, group study, and mutual support.
Career & Research Opportunities: Access to career shadowing, paid micro-internships, and undergraduate research experiences.
Academic Enhancements: Participation in a Living Learning Community (LLC), specialized orientation retreats, and the Summer Mathematics Success Program.

What majors are eligible for the SMART Scholarship?

Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Mathematics
Physics or Engineering Physics
Engineering (Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical)

What are the requirements?

Academic: Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (students with a 2.80–2.99 may be considered on a case-by-case basis with a transcript review).
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen, national, refugee, or permanent resident.
Financial: Must be Pell Grant eligible with demonstrated unmet financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

How to apply

Online Application: Complete the application form [COMING SOON].
FAFSA: Ensure your current Free Application for Federal Student Aid is on file with ATU.
Transcripts: Provide official academic transcripts to verify major and GPA.
Interview: Qualified applicants will be invited to a selection interview with the project leadership team.

Dr. Mathew
Hankins Principle Investigator View Profile >

Dr. Robin
Ghosh Co-PI View Profile >

Dr. John
Krohn Co-PI View Profile >

Ms. Rebecca
Cunningham Senior Personnel View Profile >

Dr. Hamed
Shojaei Senior Personnel View Profile >

Dr. Md Abdus
Salam Siddique Senior Personnel View Profile >

Dr. Jessica
Young Senior Personnel View Profile >

Arkansas Tech earned $2 million in grant funds thanks to the support of the National Science Foundation. This grant goes directly to support low-income students seeking careers in STEM fields.
Read the press release for full details: https://www.arkansastechnews.com/atu-earns-2-million-grant-to-increase-student-access/

Have questions about the SMART scholarship?

Email the project team at SMART@atu.edu

This information is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2527972. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Program offerings and continued availability are subject to federal funding availability and agency guidelines.