Federal Scholarship and guaranteed employment after degree completion

I got this email a little while ago from my University.
Scholarship, employment, AND a clearance! Not a bad deal at all.

Only open to US citizens.

https://smart.asee.org/

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Comments

colemic

My only fear would be getting hired on as a GS-7 in the DC area...

NicWhite

Thanks for sharing.

dmoore44

Awesome - thanks! It makes me wonder though, after you complete the program and receive your degree, what grade would a person be hired in at...

colemic

I would guess either GS-7 or 9, at best. Can't really see anything higher than that with limited experience.

eansdad

Looks nice, wonder if WGU would be accepted?

aspiringsoul

I'm also curious about that as well.

Planning on starting at WGU next year for the MSISA.

Slithy

eansdad wrote: »

Looks nice, wonder if WGU would be accepted?

"SMART scholarships are tenable only at regionally accredited U.S. institutions of higher education offering degrees in scientific areas specified in this announcement"

Not sure of course but at least the regional accreditation is a good start.

ptilsen

Skimmed through most of the pages. Very interesting. It's a lot of information to parse. Before I dig too deep, is there any reason not to apply? Obligations? Likelihood of eligibility? I'm already employed, already in school, and not ex-military, but I won't turn down the chance at free money and an increased shot at government work post-graduation.

zrockstar

colemic wrote: »

I would guess either GS-7 or 9, at best. Can't really see anything higher than that with limited experience.

I think they usually take care of people in these kinds of programs. I am thinking 9 coming out with a bachelors and 11 with a masters since they are science fields and the DoD internships will serve as experience. Even if they do hire low, there would likely be guaranteed promotions at year 1 and 3. That is my best guess at least, but haven't worked for the DoD in 3 years so I haven't seen how sequestration has changed the internal environment.