The American Chemical Society Scholars Program awards renewable scholarships of up to $5,000 to underrepresented minority students who want to enter the fields of chemistry or chemistry-related fields, such as environmental science, toxicology and chemical technology. High school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors are eligible to apply.
The American Chemical Society Scholars Program was established in 1994 to attract African American, Hispanic and American Indian students considered underrepresented in the chemical sciences by the National Science Foundation to pursue careers in the field.
The program also aims to help build awareness of the value and rewards associated with careers in chemistry and assist students in acquiring skills and credentials needed for success.
Who Can Apply?
African American, Native American and Hispanic students planning to pursue full-time study in a chemically-related field with outstanding academic records and a desire to pursue a career in the chemical sciences can apply for an American Chemical Society Scholars Award.
Acceptable Majors
Agricultural Chemistry
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Ceramic Science/Chemistry/Technology
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Technology
Environmental Science/Engineering (must be chemistry-based)
Forensic Science/Chemistry
Food Science (not nutrition)
Industrial Chemistry
Materials Science or Petroleum Engineering
Nanotechnology or Nano Science
Paper and Pulp Technology
Toxicology
Acceptable Career Goals
Chemist
Biochemist
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Technician
Forensic Chemist / Investigator
MD/PhD (research physician)
Patent Lawyer
Professor/Teacher of Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering
Science Journalist
The following students are eligible to apply to the American Chemical Society scholars program:
high school seniors entering college and planning to pursue full-time study in a chemically-related field
college freshmen, sophomores or juniors currently pursuing or planning to pursue full-time study in a chemically related field
community college students majoring in a two-year chemical technology program or planning to transfer to a four-year school
Eligibility requirements and selection process
Award Amounts
$2,500 for freshman
$3,000 for sophomores
$5,000 for juniors and seniors
Application Instructions
The deadline to apply is March 1 (annually).
High School Student Applicants
High school students must submit the following:
Application Form
Application Form for new applicants
For new applicants who have not yet started an application this year
Returning Applicants
For applicants who want to complete an application already started for this year
Official transcript or grade report (most recent)
ACT or SAT score report
Two letters of recommendation
We require at least one recommendation from a chemistry instructor or someone who is familiar with your work in science.
*Recommenders may email letters to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or students may send original, sealed letters by mail.
Copy of Student Aid Report (SAR)
The SAR is provided to you after you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). Information on the form is kept confidential.