The American Chemical Society, the largest membership organization devoted to the study and advancement of a single science, sponsors a scholarship program for qualified applicants who want to enter the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or other chemically related fields such as environmental science, materials science or toxicology. Students interested in two-year college programs for chemical technology may also qualify for scholarships. The program is designed to encourage African-American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian students to pursue undergraduate college degrees in the chemical sciences and chemical technology. The goal of the scholarship program is to aid in building an awareness of the value and rewards associated with careers in the chemical sciences and chemical technology by assisting students in acquiring the skills and credentials needed for success in these areas.

Since its inception in late 1994, the program has identified over 1200 undergraduate students as scholarship winners, some of them as renewable scholars and others as one-year award recipients. African American students comprise approximately 55% of the scholars pool with Hispanic/Latino students at 39% and 6% American Indian.

In addition to the initial $5 million committed to the Scholars Program by the Society's Board of Directors, corporations have contributed more than $1.5 million to expand and extend the program. Several corporate partners offer summer research opportunities to scholars. Internships and mentors are integral parts of the ACS Scholars Program and are identified for the scholars whenever possible.

To date, over 420 students have graduated with a bachelors degree in a chemical science. One hundred seventy-nine of those have gone on to graduate school, and 153 have entered the chemical science work force.

There are approximately 350 students in the ACS Scholars Program and its co-sponsored programs each year, attending 166 colleges and universities nationwide.

The retention rate for those renewable students in the program, and for those one-year award recipients who re-apply and win again stands at over 80%.

To qualify, candidates must be:

• African American, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian;
• a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.;
• a full-time student at an accredited college, university, or community college;
• high academic achievers in chemistry or science (Grade Point Average 3.0 or better);
• able to demonstrate evidence of financial need according to FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
• a high school senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior intending to or already majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or a chemically-related science and planning a career in the chemical sciences or chemical technology.

An American Chemical Society Selection Committee which includes members from the minority groups that the scholarship program is designed to attract, considers the academic record of candidates, evidence of leadership ability, participation in school and community activities and level of student interest in the chemical sciences as a career. Please note that students planning careers in medicine are not eligible for scholarship awards. Awards are for up to $2,500 for freshmen and up to $3000 for sophomores, juniors and seniors per academic year.

To apply, complete an application form, include the financial need document referred to as an SAR (Student Aid Report), and submit transcripts and required recommendations. Follow instructions on the application for mailing your completed documents. Remember that only complete application files will be considered by the Selection Committee. Announcement of award recipients usually occurs in early June. This year, the deadline for submitting applications is March 1.