ACS Undergraduate Scholarship

Name: ACS Undergraduate Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 renewable scholarship, with funds paid directly to accredited institutions

Information and Eligibility:
The ACS Undergraduate Scholarship, offered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), is a premier national scholarship program designed to support the next generation of chemical scientists. This program invests in high-achieving students who are passionate about chemistry and related disciplines, and who are committed to using the transformative power of science to solve global challenges. By combining meaningful financial support with professional development, communication training, and community-building opportunities, the scholarship helps cultivate future leaders in research, industry, education, sustainability, and innovation.

This scholarship is intended for students who view chemistry not only as a subject, but as a tool for improving lives—whether through cleaner energy, advanced materials, improved healthcare, environmental protection, or technological breakthroughs. Scholars are selected for their academic excellence, clarity of purpose, demonstrated interest in chemical sciences, and ability to articulate how chemistry can drive positive change. The program builds on ACS’s long-standing legacy of supporting students and expanding access to scientific careers, while emphasizing leadership, ethics, and lifelong learning.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Citizenship/Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Academic Status: Open to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students (freshman through senior) who will be enrolled full time during the upcoming academic year.
• Enrollment: Must attend a U.S.-based high school, college, university, or community college as a full-time student.
• Field of Study: Must intend to major, or already be majoring, in one of the following:
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemical Technology
  • Other chemistry-based sciences

  Applicants must plan to pursue a career in the chemical sciences. This scholarship is not intended for pre-med, pharmacy, or nursing tracks.

• Academic Achievement: Must demonstrate strong academic performance with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, especially in chemistry and related coursework.

Selection Criteria:

• Academic Excellence: Rigor of coursework and performance in chemistry and STEM subjects.
• Scientific Purpose: Clear commitment to a chemistry-centered career and an understanding of chemistry’s role in addressing real-world problems.
• Impact and Vision: Ability to recognize and communicate how chemistry improves lives and contributes to solutions in areas such as climate, health, technology, equity, and sustainability.
• Growth Mindset: Evidence of continuous self-improvement, curiosity, resilience, and long-term educational and professional planning.
• Completeness and Quality: Thorough, thoughtful, and well-prepared application materials.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online ACS Undergraduate Scholarship application (via the ACS scholarship portal).
• Unofficial or official transcripts documenting academic performance.
• Up to two letters of recommendation from instructors, mentors, or supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s academic ability, character, and potential in the chemical sciences.
• Personal essays addressing academic goals, career aspirations, financial circumstances (if requested), and how the applicant plans to use chemistry to make a meaningful impact.
• Student Aid Report (SAR) or equivalent financial information, if financial need is considered as part of selection.
• Agreement to abide by the ACS Code of Conduct and all program guidelines.

Program Benefits:

• Up to $10,000 in renewable scholarship support to cover essential educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and required materials.
• Opportunities for professional development, mentorship connections, and exposure to ACS resources, meetings, and networks.
• Regular program communications, including updates, opportunities, and highlights that help scholars stay engaged with the broader chemical science community.
• Recognition as an ACS scholar, enhancing academic and professional profiles.

Deadline:

• Application Opens: December
• Application Due: Early spring (specific deadline and details provided on the ACS application portal)
• Award Announcement: Notifications typically follow after the application review period.

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