ACS Scholars Program
American Chemical Society
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program is a scholarship program open to African American/Black, Native American/American Indian, and Hispanic or Latino undergraduate students in the United States.
Scholars are expected to be enrolled in a full-time chemical sciences degree at an accredited institution and pursue a career in chemical sciences upon graduation.
Scholars are awarded $5,000, with the number of scholars varying annually. Scholarship checks are sent directly to the scholars’ institution/faculty in August for the fall semester and in January for the spring semester. Scholarships can be used to cover tuition, academic fees, and up to $500 of textbooks only.
Scholarship Summary
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program is a scholarship program open to African American/Black, Native American/American Indian, and Hispanic or Latino undergraduate students in the United States.
Scholars are expected to be enrolled in a full-time chemical sciences degree at an accredited institution and pursue a career in chemical sciences upon graduation.
Scholars are awarded $5,000, with the number of scholars varying annually. Scholarship checks are sent directly to the scholars’ institution/faculty in August for the fall semester and in January for the spring semester. Scholarships can be used to cover tuition, academic fees, and up to $500 of textbooks only.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: College Freshman – College Junior
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: 3.0
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Asian, Asian American, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander
Key Information of ACS Scholars Program
Study Details
Area of Study
- Chemistry
- Science
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Essay
- Grade transcript
ACS Scholars Program Timeline
December 1
Application Opening Date
Applications open in December.
March 1
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is in March.
May 15
Awards Announcement Date
Winners are announced on May 15.
August 15
Scholarship Checks Sent
Winners will be sent their scholarship check in August.
How to ace the ACS Scholars Program
Demonstrate high academic achievement
This scholarship program is very competitive with only one winner. It is merit-based therefore only those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher have better chances of winning. So work hard on keeping your grades up and maintaining your GPA. Grades will be an indicator of how dedicated and serious you are.
Show financial need
Each Scholar is required to complete an annual Renewal Form in the spring to ensure that the financial need criterion is maintained throughout the receipt of the ACS award.
Personal statement objective and review
Your personal statement is your voice and the complete picture of your character, ambitions, and abilities. Make it concise and interesting – ensure it captures your pursuit of a degree in chemistry or chemistry related-discipline. Tell the judges your story and what you hope to achieve. Stay focused and get a second or third eye review from your mentor or instructor.
Meet the eligibility criteria
This scholarship is for minorities. Before applying, check to see if your race/ethnicity is eligible and select the race/ethnicity you most identify with.
How the ACS Scholars Program is Judged
The ACS selection committee awards scholarships based on applicant's academic records, career objectives, participation in school activities or research, and leadership qualities.
Why We Love the ACS Scholars Program
Scholarship funds can be deferred
Scholars are allowed to defer their scholarship funds for a number of reasons. Check the site to know on what grounds scholarship funds may be deferred and notify the ACS Scholars office as soon as possible.
Scholarship can be renewed
The ACS Scholars award is renewable for up to seven years and 10 semesters as long as you meet the program's requirements. Scholars are also allowed to reapply after seven years.
GPA requirement may be waived
ACS believes there are exceptional circumstances that could affect a student’s current academic performance. If a student communicates such to ACS staff, the society may waive strict adherence to a GPA of 3.0 if a student demonstrates high potential to meet the GPA requirement.
5 Facts About American Chemical Society
$1,000,000 awarded annually
The American Chemical Society awards over $1,000,000 in scholarship funds to more than 300 students annually.
More than 3,400 ACS alumni
About 450 American Chemical Society Alumni have also gone on to complete a Ph.D. program, and more than 50 have joined a university faculty.
Founded in 1876
The American Chemical Society is a non-profit organization and champion of chemistry with over 140 years of experience.
Over 151,000 members
The ACS is one of the world's largest scientific organizations and a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information, with over 151,000 members and 200+ branches spread across 140 countries.
Internships and scholarships through SCI
The ACS partnered with SCI America International Group to provide internships to ACS Scholars at several SCI member organizations.