ACS Student Chapters
Explore a future career in the chemical sciences and have fun connecting with people who love chemistry as much as you do!
Don't have a chapter at your school? No problem. We'll show you how to get started and stay active.
Start (or Reactivate) a Student Chapter!
Here are the requirements for starting an ACS Student Chapter:
Minimum of 6 group members who are undergraduate student members of the American Chemical Society (ACS)*
Having trouble finding potential recruits? Email us! We might be able to help you find ACS members at your school.
A faculty member who will serve as your advisor
Your faculty advisor must be an ACS member at the Premium or Standard package level. Learn more about the role of a faculty advisor on our faculty advisor resource page.
Bylaws
Bylaws lay out how you will manage your student community.
* Community Associates are welcome to join student chapters but are not eligible to be included in the count toward the membership requirement.
Once ACS approves your application, your chapter will be granted a charter and a certificate will be mailed to your faculty advisor. You will then be eligible for grants, awards, and special programs available through ACS!
Keep Your Chapter Active!
As long as your chapter meets the following criteria, it will be considered active by ACS:
- Maintain at least 6 ACS undergraduate student members.
- Submit a chapter report through Student Chapters Online at least once every three years.
Note: The Student Chapter reporting system opens in April 2024.
Benefits of Keeping an Active Status
Keeping your chapter active means you will:
- Be eligible for student community grants.
- Get feedback from ACS on your activities and successes, as well as ideas to address challenges and grow your chapter.
- Be considered for a Student Chapter Award in the academic year that your report is submitted.
Apply for Grants to Fund Your Chapter!
Grants can provide a major boost to fund your student community. Check out these ACS grants designed specifically for student communities!
ACS Student Communities DEIR Grant
Supporting professional development endeavors in Student Chapters and GSOs that advance the ACS Core Value of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR).
ACS Student Communities Engagement Grant
Supporting ACS student community outreach events, group engagement, career and professional development, or group growth.
ACS Student Communities Professional Meeting Grant
Encouraging active ACS student communities to attend a professional conference by covering associated registration fees, lodging, and/or transportation costs.
Check out this inChemistry article for grant-writing pitfalls...and tips and tricks for avoiding them:
Top Five Reasons ACS Student Communities Grant Applications Get Rejected
Student Community Toolkit
Successfully start and manage your student chapter or GSO with these resources. If you have any questions, email ACS Student Chapters at undergrad@acs.org, ACS International Student Chapters at isc@acs.org, or GSO at gso@acs.org.
Tips for Faculty Advisors
Faculty advisor responsibilities, tips for building a successful group, and other essential information
Find Active Student Communities
ACS student communities are located across the United States and in many countries across the globe.
Become an ACS Student Member
Expand your network and enrich your experience. Students receive steep discounts on Society membership!
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