NEWS: Mateo Otero-Diaz ’28 Selected for SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program
Mateo Otero-Diaz ’28 has been chosen for the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, a workforce development initiative through the United States Department of War. The program, which has an acceptance rate of approximately 8%, will help Otero-Diaz develop essential career skills in national security while offering him benefits such as full tuition coverage, mentorship in the field, post-graduate employment and more.
Mateo Otero-Diaz ’28, who was chosen for the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, a workforce development initiative through the United States Department of War.
Otero-Diaz received placement with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), which develops, acquires, launches and operates the nation's intelligence satellites. Additional benefits that he will receive for being in the Program include a $30,000 annual stipend for living expenses, $2,500 yearly health insurance stipend, $1,000 for school supplies and a guaranteed summer 2027 internship at his sponsor facility.
“It’s an incredible experience to feel that there's someone who sees the value and decides that this person is worth investing that much money and time into,” said Otero-Diaz, who majors in Mechanical Engineering. “I’m just very grateful to the people who wrote my recommendation letters. They are people who opened a door for me at NASA, and they are very supportive of me.”
Mateo Otero-Diaz ’28 working at his internship with NASA.
Prior to his first year at Olin, Otero-Diaz fueled his passion for technology and satellites while jumpstarting his career at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as a mechanical design intern. He returned for a consecutive summer internship with NASA in 2025, expanding his role to mechanical design and test intern.
This summer, Otero-Diaz will obtain his secret-level security clearance at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory in preparation for his intern and full-time roles. After that process is complete, he will then begin the process to receive Top-Secret/SCI clearance.
“I lose nothing by trying,” said Otero-Diaz. “I think that’s something Olin always ingrained in our culture, which is fail until you succeed, understand why you fail and keep working until you know and understand why you're succeeding.”