Project SEED Scholarships

There are several Project SEED scholarships available, including renewable and nonrenewable awards. Selection is based on achievement in school, success in the Project SEED program, financial need, and intended chemical-related field of scientific study. The scholarships are intended to assist former SEED participants as they transition from high school to college.  

• One-Year, Non-renewable Scholarships: These award up to $5,000 for your freshman year in college. Each year, approximately 30 awardees are selected.
  
• Renewable Scholarship - Joseph D. Loconti: This awards between $2,500 and $5,000 for four years in college. One awardee is selected each year from the pool of one-year, non-renewable scholarship applicants. No additional paperwork or applications necessary to apply.
  
• Renewable Scholarship - CIBA Specialty Chemicals: This awards 2-5 sophomores that were previously selected as a one-year scholarship recipient.  Students can apply during the second half of their freshman year for $5,000 per academic year for 3 additional years. Eligible students will be contacted directly with information to apply.
  

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Project SEED college scholarship, you:

• Must be a Project SEED alum (participated for at least one full summer in the Project SEED program)
  
• Must currently be a high school senior OR a college freshman
• Must plan to enroll full-time into an accredited college or university for the start of the next academic school year
  
• Must plan to major in a chemical-related science OR another STEM field. 
  
  • Eligible chemical-related science majors include Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Forensic Chemistry, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and more.
  • Eligible STEM majors include (but are not limited to) Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Pre-Med programs, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer science, and more.
    

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will review all application materials and select students based on the following:

• Academic achievement
• A strong and clear ability to share your Project SEED experience and future education and career goals 
  
• Strong letters of recommendation that confirm your interest in chemistry, and your strength as a potential future scientist
• A chemistry-related major (preferred) or a STEM-related major
  

How to Apply

Eligible students should submit the following by January 31, 2024:

• Scholarship Application
• Official High School Transcript
  • An official transcript means that your school sends us the transcript directly. Electronic official transcripts are preferred. You can ask your high school guidance counselor to email it to projectseed@acs.org or see if your high school uses an online transcript service to send official transcripts to the same email address. If neither of the two options are available, your school can mail an official transcript.  If your school gives you the transcript, placed the sealed, unopened transcript into a larger envelope and mail it to the address below.
• Two Letters of Recommendation 
  • Project SEED Recommendation: This letter must come from someone that worked closely with you during your time at Project SEED.  It should be one of the following:
    • A Project SEED mentor, coordinator, or another individual such as a technician or graduate student that you worked closely with in the lab
      
    • A Cabin Leader (if you participated in the virtual summer camp)
      
    • A Camp Manager (again, if you participated in the virtual camp) 
      
    • This letter of recommendation should include a description of the progress made on the research project, the applicant’s attitude toward research (for in-person research programs), your aptitude and enthusiasm toward chemistry, and your potential as a future scientist/professional in a chemical-related field.
      
  • High School Teacher Recommendation. The high school teacher recommendation would ideally come from a STEM teacher (math or science).  The letter should include a description of your enthusiasm and commitment toward a chemistry-related career, as well as your academic success. If you are a college freshman, your recommendation could also come from a professor if applicable.
    
  • Your letter writers should email their letter to projectseed@acs.org by or before January 31, 2024
    

Send your documents via: