The ACS Scholars Program provides financial support to academically accomplished African American, Hispanic and Native American students in their pursuit of undergraduate studies in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, environmental science and related disciplines in two- and four- year college and university programs.
Up to 100 scholarships will be awarded to minority students seeking a career in chemistry. Freshmen can receive up to $2,500 per academic year. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible for up to $3,000 per academic year.
"The American Chemical Society wants to assist students in acquiring skills and credentials needed for success," explains Robert Hughes, manager of the program. "The goal of the Scholars Program is to aid in building an awareness of the value and rewards associated with careers in science."
According to the Society's ChemCensus Report, relatively few minorities major in science-related disciplines at the college level. In 2000, for example, those of Hispanic heritage -- 12.5 percent of the U.S. population -- represented 2.6 percent of the chemistry workforce; African Americans -- almost 12 percent of the population -- comprised less than two percent of the chemical workforce; and Native Americans -- one percent of the population -- made up less than one percent of the chemical workforce.
In 1995, the American Chemical Society launched the Scholars Program with a $5 million grant. Since then, companies such as Astra Zeneca, Bayer, DuPont, Glaxo SmithKline, PPG Industries,
Proctor & Gamble and Xerox have contributed to the program. These gifts have afforded over 1,100 students the opportunity to study chemistry and related subjects.
In addition to financial aid, the Scholars Program, with the help of participating companies, offers students the opportunity to take advantage of mentoring and paid summer internships.
For more details on the ACS Scholars Program, including an online application form, please visit www.acs.org/scholars or telephone 1-800-227-5558, extension 6250.