NSWC Dahlgren Division Commander Capt. Michael Smith observes students at a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Summer Academy team rescue a ship in distress with a robot they programmed in a simulated event. [Photo Credit: Jane Bachman, NSWCDD Virginia STEM Learning Module Coordinator].

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

STEM: Develop world class science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) capabilities for the DoD and the Nation

DoD depends on the technical skill and exceptional aptitude of its research and engineering workforce in its labs, in the defense industrial base, and in universities for innovation and success in the research and engineering initiatives designed to meet national security challenges. Ensuring our future workforce will possess the technical competencies necessary to meet future needs is an increasing challenge.

• National Defense Education Program (NDEP): Enhances students and world-class researchers' interest in DoD by offering opportunities for direct engagement with DoD labs and Component technical staff.
  
  
• The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) program: A scholarship-for-service program that has funded approximately 1,200 of our nation's most talented undergraduate and graduate students in 19 fields critical to the DoD STEM enterprise.
  
  
• National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowships (NSSEFF): Provides long-term funding to 29 eminent scholars at top U.S. universities. These scholars engage nearly 400 undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs in executing their research and provide a bridge to DoD research facilities.


• Systems Engineering Capstone: A pilot program designed to increase systems engineering skills in engineering students and increase the pipeline of systems engineers available to DoD. 300 undergraduate and graduate students at 5 universities, 5 military institutions, and 6 partners have participated in the pilot program alongside DoD civilian, military, and industry mentors.