News Release

Chemical society announces minority scholars program

Grant and Award Announcement

American Chemical Society

Applications for 2001 are being accepted by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for its minority college scholarship program, the program's manager, Robert J. Hughes, announced today. The outreach effort, designed to attract qualified candidates from African American, Native American and Hispanic populations, is expected to award $750,000 to current scholars plus 150 new winners, according to Hughes.

The awards -- to high school seniors and college students for the study of chemistry, chemical engineering and related disciplines -- are based on academic achievement and financial need. Funds are dispersed to the recipients' colleges and universities to be used for students' tuition, fees and books.

The ACS, a not-for-profit institution and the world's largest scientific society, has distributed funds to more than 900 students, including 190 in 2000, under the program since 1995. In addition to corporate contributions, the ACS expects to have committed a total of some $8 million to the program by mid-June of 2001, when next year's awards are to be announced. The scholars program encourages minority students to prepare for careers in the chemical sciences by providing renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 per academic year. It is open to high school seniors planning careers in the chemical sciences and to college students who are majoring, or who intend to major, in the field.

The scholars program is one of several ACS minority outreach efforts. The Society also makes grants to help minority students in grades K-12, conducts career presentations at minority-advocacy organizations, maintains an online clearinghouse of minority activities and programs, and conducts workshops at national and regional meetings.

The deadline for applications is February 15, 2001. Information about the scholars program, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, is available on the ACS website, www.acs.org/minorityaffairs. Potential applicants may also phone 800-227-5558 ext. 6250.

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