HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Alabama A&M senior women's tennis player Jasmine Boyd, long a force on the court, has also proven herself in the classroom as she has been awarded a Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) as announced by that organization earlier this week.
 
For more than a decade SMART has provided training and career opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) majors throughout the country. To that end, the award provides students with up to five years of full tuition along with summer internships, experienced mentors, a stipend and full-time employment with the DoD upon graduation.
 
Currently studying computer science with a concentration in cyber security, Boyd will work with the Naval Oceanographic Office – Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi following graduation. That is one of 200 innovative laboratories throughout the Army, Navy, Air Force and greater DoD that not only benefit from the SMART Scholarship but also provides invaluable hands-on experience to the recipients.
 
On the court Boyd is a two-time All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) selection, tying for the second most in program history, and played No. 1 singles and doubles throughout her career. This year she went 8-8 in singles and 4-9 in doubles, consistently playing against the best her opponent had to offer. She also went 4-2 in SWAC singles play and 4-1 in doubles.
 
The nation's largest employer of federal scientists and engineers, the DoD has nearly 150,000 civilian STEM employees. Each of these individuals is a part of the mission to defend the nation and promote the safety and success of its military personnel and provide authentic learning experiences through education and outreach initiatives while supporting the next generation of science and technology.
 
The DoD awards approximately just 300 SMART Scholarships annually and has awarded over 3,700 since the inception of the program in 2006.
 
"The SMART Scholarship has given me a unique opportunity," said Boyd. "I will have the chance to enhance my skills and knowledge while working with outstanding mentors."
 
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. Open annually from August through December, the application process and additional information can be found at www.SMARTScholarship.org.