[American Chemical Society](https://www.acs.org)

April 2026 (Full application deadline)

$250 honorarium plus up to $1,000 for travel expenses to the ACS Fall Meeting; awardee also receives a plaque.

Annual award recognizing undergraduate women and AFAB students for overcoming hardships to succeed in chemistry.

--- ## Description This annual award, presented by the American Chemical Society Women Chemists Committee, honors undergraduate women (cis and trans) and persons assigned female at birth (AFAB) who have demonstrated significant perseverance and determination in overcoming hardships to achieve success in the field of chemistry. The recipient receives a monetary prize, travel support to attend the ACS Fall Meeting, and public recognition at the Women Chemists Committee Luncheon. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated full application deadline: April 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $250 monetary award. - Up to $1,000 for travel expenses to attend the ACS Fall Meeting. - Award plaque and recognition at the WCC Luncheon during the ACS Fall Meeting. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be undergraduate individuals (including women—cis and trans—and persons assigned female at birth). - Must be currently enrolled in: - A two-year chemistry-related program, **or** - Pursuing a major or minor in a four-year chemistry program at a school that does **not** grant doctorates in chemistry. - Must have completed at least one semester of college-level chemistry. - Must demonstrate that they have overcome hardships (economic, personal, or academic) in pursuit of their education. - Applicants are evaluated based on: - Improvement - Initiative - Successes - Grades from the previous two semesters (not cumulative GPA) --- ## Application Process Application packages must include: - A letter of request for the award, including: - Full name, address, telephone number, email address - Explanation of the hardships overcome and current successes - One letter of recommendation (advisor reference form available) - School transcripts (official or unofficial) Applications are submitted online via the [application form](https://fs7.formsite.com/vatz5F/OvercomingChallenges/index). --- ## Additional Information - The award is presented at the ACS Fall Meeting. - Inclusive eligibility: For more on gender inclusivity, see the [ACS Inclusivity Style Guide](https://www.acs.org/about/inclusion/inclusivity-style-guide/gender-and-sexuality.html#gender-neutral-language). - Related opportunities are available for advancing diversity and supporting women in chemistry at different career stages. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/women-chemists-overcoming-challenges-award.html) - [Online Application Form](https://fs7.formsite.com/vatz5F/OvercomingChallenges/index) - [Advisor Reference Form](https://fs7.formsite.com/vatz5F/AdvisorForm/index) - [ACS Committee on Women Chemists](https://www.acs.org/about/governance/committees/women-chemists.html) - [ACS Inclusivity Style Guide](https://www.acs.org/about/inclusion/inclusivity-style-guide/gender-and-sexuality.html#gender-neutral-language) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [wcc@acs.org](mailto:wcc@acs.org) | | Mailing Address | American Chemical Society
Women Chemists Committee
1155 Sixteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036 | | ACS General Contact | [ACS Contact Page](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) | | Phone | +1 800-227-5558 |

Women Chemists Committee Overcoming Challenges Award

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