How to Apply for a Scholars Award

Applications and supporting documents are due by March 1, 2010.

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 ACS Scholars Award.

You must be a:

high school senior entering college and planning to pursue full-time study in a chemically-related field
college freshman, sophomore or junior currently pursuing or planning to pursue full-time study in a chemically related field
community college student majoring in a two-year chemical technology program or planning to transfer to a four-year school

Learn more about eligibility requirements and the selection process

See a list of acceptable majors

Award Amounts

ACS will offer new awards of up to:

$2,500 for freshman
$3,000 for sophomores
$5,000 for juniors and seniors

Application Instructions

Application period: November 1, 2009 – March 1, 2010.

Applications and supporting documents are due by March 1, 2010.

Mail supporting documentation to:
American Chemical Society Scholars Program
1155 16th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20036

Application Requirements for High school Students

High school students must submit the following:

Application Form
Application Form for New Applicants
Returning Applicants (students who have started and not yet completed an application 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 scholars@acs.org, or students may send unsealed letters by mail.
Copy of Student Aid Report (SAR)
This form is provided to you after you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). Information on the form is kept confidential.

Application Requirements for College/Transfer Students

College freshmen and transfer students must submit the following:

Application Form
Application Form for New Applicants
Returning Applicants (students who have started and not yet completed an application this year)
Official transcript of grades
College freshmen: Provide a high school transcript in addition to the college transcript.
Transfer students: Submit copies of transcripts from all previous institutions attended (transcripts from current institutions that include transferred credits/courses is acceptable).
Two letters of recommendation
We require at least one recommendation from a faculty member in your field of study. The second letter of recommendation should be from someone who knows you as a student, such as an employee or volunteer, and can provide insight into your personal character, potential, motivation and ability to successfully complete a rigorous scientific course of study.
*Recommenders may email letters to scholars@acs.org, or students may send unsealed letters by mail.
Copy of Student Aid Report (SAR)
This form is provided to you after you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). Information on the form is kept confidential.

Recommendation letters may be emailed to scholars@acs.org.

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

Questions?

If you have questions about the application process, email scholars@acs.org or call (800) 227-5558 ext. 6250.