Funder: American Chemical Society
Due Dates: January 31, 2025 (Scholarship) | April 14, 2025 (Summer program application closes) | June–August 2025 (Program dates)
Funding Amounts: Summer fellowship: $4,000 stipend (8–10 weeks); Scholarships: up to $5,000/year (1–4 years, renewable and nonrenewable options)
Summary: Paid summer research internships and college scholarships for economically disadvantaged high school students to gain hands-on chemistry experience and mentorship.
Key Information: Applicants must meet financial eligibility and have completed at least one high school chemistry course.
Description
Project SEED, administered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), provides paid summer research fellowships and college scholarships to high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The program offers 8–10 week summer internships in real laboratories under the mentorship of professional scientists, with a focus on chemistry and related STEM fields. Participants gain hands-on research experience, exposure to scientific careers, and guidance in college and professional development. Successful participants are also eligible to apply for substantial college scholarships.
Due Dates
- Scholarship Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
- Summer Program Application Closes: April 14, 2025
- Summer Program Dates: June–August 2025 (typically 8–10 weeks)
- Student Selection: April–May 2025
- College Scholarship Winners Announced: Mid-Spring 2025
Funding Amount
- Summer Fellowship: $4,000 stipend for 8–10 weeks of full-time research (Summer I and II programs)
- College Scholarships:
- One-year, nonrenewable: Up to $5,000 (approx. 30 awarded annually)
- Renewable (Joseph D. Loconti): $2,500–$5,000/year for four years (1 awarded annually)
- Renewable (CIBA Specialty Chemicals): $5,000/year for up to 3 additional years (2–5 awarded to eligible sophomores)
Eligibility
Summer Fellowship
- High school students (preferably sophomores, juniors, or seniors; recent graduates may be eligible)
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Family income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Must have completed at least one high school chemistry course
- Demonstrated interest in science and/or chemistry
- Parental/guardian permission required for students under 18
College Scholarships
- Must be a Project SEED alum (completed at least one full summer in the program)
- High school senior or college freshman at time of application
- Planning to enroll full-time in an accredited college/university for the next academic year
- Intending to major in a chemical-related science or another STEM field
Application Process
Summer Fellowship
- Review eligibility on the Project SEED application page.
- Gather financial documentation (e.g., tax forms, proof of eligibility for free/reduced lunch, SNAP, WIC, TRIO, or SAT/ACT fee waiver).
- Obtain parental/guardian permission (if under 18).
- Complete the online application (opens February 2025; closes April 14, 2025).
- Selection is based on academic performance, interest in science, and availability for the full summer.
College Scholarships
- Eligibility: Must have completed Project SEED summer program.
- Submit application by January 31, 2025, including:
- Online application form
- Official high school transcript (sent directly from school)
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One from a Project SEED mentor/coordinator
- One from a STEM teacher (or college professor if a freshman)
- Send documents to projectseed@acs.org.
Additional Information
- Both in-person and virtual research projects may be available, depending on site and public health guidance.
- Summer II participants (returning students) may be eligible for travel grants to present research at ACS meetings.
- Final selection for summer placements is at the discretion of site coordinators.
- Scholarships are competitive and based on academic achievement, recommendations, and commitment to a chemistry/STEM career.
External Links
Contact Information
| Contact | Details |
|---|
| Email | projectseed@acs.org |
| Phone | 1-800-227-5558 (ext. 4380 or 8062) |
| Mailing Address | ACS Project SEED Program, 1155 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 |
| General ACS Contact | ACS Contact Page |