Cal State San Bernardino student Sarah Grebenok was awarded the highly competitive Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Defense, making her the first CSUSB student to receive this national STEM honor.

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program provides a unique combination of educational and workforce development opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Awardees receive full tuition, an annual stipend, a professional mentor, a hands-on internship, and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense after graduation.

Grebenok, a geology senior, was stunned when she first learned she had been selected. “I was completely shocked and found it hard to believe at first,” she said. “I had to reread the email several times before excitement overcame my disbelief.”

Although she will not be required to complete the internship portion of the program due to her graduation timeline, Grebenok has already visited the Department of Defense facility where she will begin working shortly after graduation.

“A few months after graduation, I will go directly to the facility, where I will be analyzing sediment samples from the ocean floor,” said Grebenok. “This work is crucial for hydrographic surveying, protecting coastal infrastructure, and various defense applications.”

Grebenok is one of more than 600 students nationwide accepted into the SMART Program’s 2025 cohort. This year’s awardees represent 214 colleges and universities across the country, underscoring the national reach and impact of the program.

“I feel extremely blessed and grateful for this scholarship, which will allow me to pursue my passion for the geosciences,” said Grebenok.

As part of the SMART Program, scholars gain real-world experience at one of over 150 Department of Defense facilities. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than 5,800 scholarships, with 91% of scholars successfully completing the program — a testament to its strength in preparing STEM students for meaningful careers in public service.