National Defense Education Program

The National Defense Education Program (NDEP) is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)). Its primary goal is to build a sustainable and long-term advantage for the DoD by cultivating a robust science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce. NDEP supports the National Defense Science & Technology Strategy by investing in STEM education and workforce development across all educational levels, from pre-kindergarten through graduate studies. The program aligns with the Federal STEM Strategy and the DoD STEM Strategic Plan, addressing critical challenges in STEM talent development and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

A major component of NDEP is the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program. This program provides tuition, stipends, and internships to high-performing undergraduate and graduate students in 24 STEM disciplines identified as critical to national security. Upon graduation, SMART scholars are guaranteed civilian employment within the DoD and are required to fulfill a one-for-one service commitment for each year of scholarship received. The SMART program is designed to ensure a steady infusion of technical talent into the DoD workforce and is executed through a cooperative agreement managed by OUSD(R&E) and implemented at the component level. The program also includes initiatives such as the SMART SEED grant and the CREATES grant, which expand opportunities for underrepresented groups and foster partnerships with minority-serving institutions.

The STEM Education and Outreach (E&O) activities under NDEP aim to inspire, cultivate, and develop STEM talent across the pre-K to postsecondary continuum. The primary effort in this area is the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC), which leverages a collaborative ecosystem of partners to reach students and educators nationwide. DSEC provides authentic learning experiences, scholarships, internships, and mentorships, with a particular focus on military-connected students and underserved populations. These activities are executed through a multi-year cooperative agreement and are designed to evolve over time, allowing for the inclusion of new strategic partners and alignment with emerging DoD priorities.

The Biotechnology Education Program (BIOTECH) is another important line item within NDEP, supporting the development of a biotechnology workforce capable of addressing national defense needs. BIOTECH efforts focus on building biotechnology literacy, promoting diversity and inclusion, and motivating young people to pursue careers in biotechnology. In FY 2026, BIOTECH activities are being consolidated into the broader STEM E&O portfolio to enhance coordination and align with the Department's biotechnology priorities through competitive grants and internal proposals.

NDEP also includes Congressionally Directed Programs such as the Manufacturing Engineering Education Program (MEEP) and specific funding opportunities for STEM fellowships. The Ronald V. Dellums memorial scholarship has awarded scholarships to increase participation of underrepresented students in the DoD STEM workforce. These fellowships expand the SMART scholarship opportunity to rising college freshmen, particularly targeting high school seniors interested in pursuing STEM degrees critical to DoD missions.

Program oversight and evaluation are integral to NDEP, with assessment practices aligned with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) guidelines. The program's activities are continually assessed to ensure alignment with the National Defense Strategy and DoD science and technology critical technology areas. NDEP investments are justified by the need to address workforce gaps, respond to emerging technological challenges, and maintain the Department's competitive edge in science and engineering.