Subject: Scientific society seeks minority students for scholarship program - American Chemical Society

Importance: High

> Contact: Beverly Hassell

> 202-872-4065

> b_hassell@acs.org

> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

>

> Scientific society seeks minority students for scholarship program

>

> The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society,  is seeking applications from minority students for its scholars

> program. The application deadline is February 15, 2003.

>

> The ACS Scholars Program provides financial support to academically accomplished African American, Hispanic and Native American students

> in their pursuit of undergraduate studies in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, environmental science and related  disciplines in two- and

> four- year college and university programs.

>

> Up to 100 scholarships will be awarded to minority students seeking a career in chemistry. Freshmen can receive up to $2,500 per academic

> year. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible for up to $3,000 per academic year.

>

> "The American Chemical Society wants to assist students in acquiring skills and credentials needed for success," explains Robert Hughes,

> manager of the program. "The goal of the Scholars Program is to aid in building an awareness of the value and rewards associated with careers

> in science."

>

> According to the Society's ChemCensus Report, relatively few minorities major in science-related disciplines at the college level.

> In 2000, for example, those of Hispanic heritage - 12.5 percent of the  U.S. population - represented 2.6 percent of the chemistry workforce; African Americans -almost 12 percent of the population - comprised less than two percent of the chemical workforce; and Native Americans - one percent of the population - made up less than one percent of the chemical workforce.

>

> In 1995, the American Chemical Society launched the Scholars Program  with a $5 million grant. Since then, companies such as Astra Zeneca,

> Bayer, DuPont, Glaxo SmithKline, PPG Industries, Proctor & Gamble and  Xerox have contributed to the program. These gifts have afforded over

> 1,100 students the opportunity to study chemistry and related subjects.

>

> In addition to financial aid, the Scholars Program, with the help of  participating companies, offers students the opportunity to take

> advantage of mentoring and paid summer internships.

>

> For more details on the ACS Scholars Program, including an online  application form, please visit www.acs.org/scholars

> <http://www.acs.org/scholars> or telephone 1-800-227-5558, extension  6250.

 # # # Release #13427

> 01/06/2003