Program celebrates exceptional graduate outcomes, welcomes newest scholar class, and continues building the future chemical industry workforce

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) today opened applications for its next class of scholars, continuing its mission to connect talented students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with scholarships, mentorship, internships, and career development opportunities that help launch successful careers in the chemical industry.

FOSSI scholarships are open to high school seniors who aim to pursue industry-relevant STEM degrees at HBCUs, and with interest in a career in the chemical industry.

Founded in 2020 by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Chemours, and the HBCU Week Foundation, FOSSI has become one of the nation’s leading industry-supported STEM scholarship programs. To date, the initiative has funded more than 900 scholarships, raised more than $40 million, and supported students attending over 40 HBCUs across the country to work in the chemical industry.

Each FOSSI scholar receives a scholarship of $10,000 per year for four years, along with access to leadership development, mentoring, internship opportunities, and networking experiences with sponsoring companies.

As applications open, FOSSI also celebrates the success of its most recent graduates and welcomes its newest class of scholars, who began their academic journeys this year and are expected to graduate in 2030.

Outcomes from FOSSI’s first graduating classes demonstrate the program’s impact. Scholars have graduated at nearly three times the average four-year graduation rate at HBCUs. Nearly 80 percent of graduates are either employed full-time in STEM-related fields or pursuing graduate education. Compared with non-FOSSI graduates, scholars are twice as likely to secure full-time employment in their intended field. Many are already launching careers within the chemical manufacturing industry at FOSSI sponsoring organizations.

“One of the most rewarding parts of FOSSI is seeing talented young people gain the confidence, support, and opportunities they need to pursue their ambitions,” said Mark Costa, Chair of the FOSSI Advisory Board and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eastman Chemical Company. “When we invest in students, we’re investing in the future innovators, scientists, engineers, and leaders who will help solve some of society’s most important challenges. It’s especially exciting to see our first graduates already building successful careers in the chemical industry and related STEM fields, while we welcome a new class of scholars who are just beginning their journey. That’s the lasting impact of FOSSI.”

FOSSI scholars say the program’s impact extends far beyond the financial support it provides.

“My dream is to be able to conduct and pioneer research in the chemical field. This dream was made that much more possible by FOSSI. Their support both financially and academically have transformed my dreams into goals. Now, I can dream bigger,” said Samiya Miller, a FOSSI Scholar attending North Carolina A&T State University.

Applications will be accepted through January 8, 2027. Eligible students can apply here.

About FOSSI

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

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SOURCE American Chemistry Council