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FOSSI Launches Application for Students Entering College in 2023

The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) Launched its 2023 Application Period at the HBCU Week Foundation’s Annual College Fair in Wilmington, DE

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Kelly Montes de Oca
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Future of STEM Scholars Initiative

WILMINGTON (September 28, 2022) – The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2023 class. FOSSI offers $40,000 scholarships as well as leadership development, mentorships and internship opportunities. Launched in 2020, FOSSI’s mission is to increase the number of underrepresented professionals in the chemical industry workforce by providing resources to students pursuing preferred degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Importantly, FOSSI isn’t just a scholarship program. Through virtual webinars and networking events, students gain real-life skills such as problem-solving, time management, communication and professional development. Each scholar is also matched with one of 60 corporate sponsors committed to helping them achieve their goals.

FOSSI is open for high school students who have interest in pursuing a career in chemical manufacturing, engineering, environmental health and sustainability or other related chemical-industry fields. The full list of criteria for applications can be found here.

2022 FOSSI scholarship recipient Mason Bligen-Miller shared the inspiration behind her pursuit of engineering degree at Howard University.

Mason Bligen-Miller, 2022 FOSSI Scholarship Recipient
I want to be a part of a new generation of engineers, specifically black engineers to serve as trailblazers in developing and unlocking innovative technologies to help better our future. I also want to help incentivize and inspire the younger generation of black engineers to follow this path to continue in the evolution of STEM

The FOSSI application period opened at Founding Partner HBCU Week Foundation’s annual College Fair on September 23. The College Fair brought together thousands of students and HBCU representatives to promote HBCU enrollment and provide on the spot college and scholarship acceptance opportunities.

In the two years since its inception, FOSSI has provided nearly 300 scholarships for students majoring in 40 unique STEM fields. FOSSI scholars represent 30 states across the U.S. and are attending 39 HBCUs.

FOSSI has an ambitious goal of supporting 1000 HBCU scholarships through 2025.

To learn more about the scholarship, visit www.FutureOfSTEMScholars.org. Applications can be submitted at www.FutureOfSTEMScholars.org/apply.

Deadline to apply is January 31.
Future of STEM Scholars Initiative

The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative was founded in 2020 by the American Chemistry Council, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company, and the HBCU Week Foundation. FOSSI is a national chemical industry-wide program which provides scholarships to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), helping to eliminate financial barriers for historically under-represented groups. Sponsored by chemical manufacturers and related industry stakeholders, FOSSI provides scholarship recipients $10,000 per year for four years and connects these students to leadership development, mentoring and internship opportunities at participating companies. Learn more at FutureofSTEMscholars.org. 

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.

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