ACC - American Chemistry Council
09/26/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2025 08:18
Applications Open for Future of STEM Scholarship Initiative at HBCU Week College Fair
WILMINGTON (Sept. 26, 2025) - Today, the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) officially opened its 2026 scholarship application period at the annual HBCU Week Foundation College Fair in Wilmington, Delaware. This marks the sixth consecutive year that FOSSI has launched its application at this impactful event, which brings together thousands of students, educators, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) representatives.
FOSSI is a national program founded by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company, and the HBCU Week Foundation. It provides $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year for four years) to high school seniors pursuing industry-relevant STEM degrees at HBCUs.
The program aims to increase the talent pool for chemical companies by energizing students about education and career opportunities in fields such as chemical and mechanical engineering. It also connects scholarship recipients with over 80 corporations to provide real-world access to internships and information on potential careers in the chemical and affiliated industries. Through mentorship and skills training programs, FOSSI creates an environment that enables students to achieve their educational and career aspirations. This Spring, FOSSI celebrated its first graduating class, with an over 92% matriculation rate.
Since its launch in 2020, FOSSI has made a transformative impact:
- 860+ scholarships funded
- $40 million+ raised
- 5,000+ applications received
- Scholars from 33 states supported
- 47 HBCUs attended by scholarship recipients
"We're proud to continue expanding access to STEM education and opportunities in the chemical industry through FOSSI," said Mark Costa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eastman and FOSSI Chairman. "Launching the application at the HBCU Week College Fair allows us to connect directly with students who are passionate about STEM and eager to make a difference."
Applications for the 2026 FOSSI scholarships will be accepted through January 15, 2026. Eligible students can apply here.
Learn more at https://www.FutureofSTEMScholars.org.
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.
Share this Press Release
Stay up-to-date and engaged with the latest industry-related news.
- Tweet
- Share
- Post
Related Content
Exploring the Importance of STEM in the Chemical Industry Nov 07, 2024
Exploring the Importance of STEM in the Chemical Industry
Future of STEM Scholars Initiative
FOSSI Scholarship Applications Open at Annual HBCU Week Foundation College Fair Sep 27, 2024
FOSSI Scholarship Applications Open at Annual HBCU Week Foundation College Fair
Program Announces 2025 Application Launch & Expansion through 2028
Future of STEM Scholars Initiative
White House HBCU Initiative Honors FOSSI With 2024 Chairman's Award Sep 18, 2024
White House HBCU Initiative Honors FOSSI With 2024 Chairman's Award
Program Recognized for Outstanding Collaboration to Strengthen and Invest in HBCUs
Future of STEM Scholars Initiative
Celebrating National STEM Day: Empowering Future Innovators Nov 08, 2023
Celebrating National STEM Day: Empowering Future Innovators
Future of STEM Scholars Initiative
ACC - American Chemistry Council published this content on September 26, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 26, 2025 at 14:18 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]