The ACS Scholars Program provides renewable scholarships to underrepresented minority students who are majoring in chemistry-related undergraduate disciplines and want to pursue careers in chemistry. Each academic year, up to $5,000* is granted to selected winners.
The ACS Scholars Program has provided money to nearly 3,000 students to far.
*Award amounts and numbers are based on the school year, verified financial need, and available funds.
Application Criteria for ACS Scholars Program in USA
To be considered for a scholarship through the ACS Scholars Program, candidates must:
- Be African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian (please see below for more details)
- Be a graduating high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior. Seniors can apply for their fifth year.
- Intend to major or already major in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science AND plan to pursue a career in a chemistry-related science as well (please see below for more details)
- Be a full-time student at a high school or accredited college, university, or community college
- Demonstrate high academic achievement in chemistry or science (Grade Point Average 3.0 or higher)
Eligible and Ineligible Racial and Ethnic Categories for the ACS Scholars Program
- Hispanic or Latino — A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American culture or origin, regardless of race
- American Indian or Alaska Native — A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintains cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition
- Native Hawaiian or Native Pacific Islander — A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands that are U.S. territories
- African-American/Black — A person having origins in any of the black, indigenous, racial groups of Africa
- More than one race – A person having origins in more than one of the above racial categories.
Ineligible Categories:
- White — A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East
- Asian — A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian Subcontinent. These areas include, for example, China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippine Islands
Eligible Nationalities for ACS Scholars Program in USA
USA citizen or permanent resident
Terms and Conditions:
Examples of eligible majors:
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical Technology
- Materials Science
- Petroleum Engineering
- Environmental Science/Engineering (chemistry-based)*
- Biomedical Engineering (chemistry-based)*
- Forensic Science/Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Food Science (not nutrition)
- Paper and Pulp Technology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Nanotechnology or Nano Science
- Ceramic Science / Chemistry / Technology
- Industrial Chemistry
Examples of eligible career goals:
- Chemist
- Biochemist
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemical Technician
- Forensic Chemist / Investigator
- Chemistry / Biochemistry / Chemical Engineering Teacher / Professor
- Patent Lawyer
- Science Journalist
- MD/PhD (research physician)**
**Please note that students intending to enter Pre-Med programs or pursuing a degree in Pharmacy or Nursing are NOT eligible for this scholarship.
More details about for ACS Scholars Program in USA!
Official Transcript:
Fall semester grades must be submitted; college freshmen must present both high school and college transcripts.
Two letters of recommendation are required:
A chemical, science, or math instructor or research adviser must write one letter.
Obtain a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR):
After submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will get the SAR. The SAR should be for the following academic year, not the present one.