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

April 2027 (application deadline, projected)

$250 monetary prize plus up to $1,000 for travel to ACS Fall Meeting (one award annually)

Recognizes an undergraduate woman or AFAB student who has overcome significant hardship to achieve success in chemistry, with recognition and support to attend the ACS Fall Meeting.

--- ## Description This annual award honors one undergraduate woman or person assigned female at birth (AFAB) who has demonstrated determination and perseverance in overcoming significant economic, personal, or academic hardships to achieve success in chemistry. The recipient receives a $250 monetary prize, up to $1,000 in travel expenses to attend the ACS Fall Meeting, and is recognized with a plaque at the Women Chemists Committee (WCC) Luncheon during the event. The award aims to highlight and support the achievements of women and AFAB individuals in chemistry who have shown improvement, initiative, and notable accomplishments despite adversity. --- ## Due Dates - April 2027 (anticipated application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $250 monetary prize - Up to $1,000 for travel expenses to attend the ACS Fall Meeting - Recognition at the WCC Luncheon, including a commemorative plaque - One award is given annually --- ## Eligibility - Applicant must be an undergraduate 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 self-identify as a woman (cis or trans) or be a person assigned female at birth (AFAB) - Must demonstrate overcoming significant hardships (economic, personal, or academic) in pursuit of education - Selection criteria include improvement, initiative, successes, and grades from the previous two semesters (not cumulative GPA) --- ## Application Process - Prepare and submit the following materials: - Letter of request for the award, including: - Full name, address, telephone number, email address - Explanation of hardships overcome and current successes (suggested: 1 page single-spaced or 2 pages double-spaced) - One letter of recommendation - School transcripts (official or unofficial) - Applications are typically submitted via the [official ACS application portal](https://fs7.formsite.com/vatz5F/OvercomingChallenges/index) (check for updates as the application form may be closed between cycles) - For questions or clarifications, contact the Women Chemists Committee at [wcc@acs.org](mailto:wcc@acs.org) --- ## Additional Information - Awardees are recognized at the ACS Fall Meeting, with travel support to facilitate attendance. - The program uses gender-inclusive language and eligibility; see the [ACS Inclusivity Style Guide](https://www.acs.org/about/inclusion/inclusivity-style-guide/gender-and-sexuality.html#gender-neutral-language) for details. - The program is administered by the [ACS Women Chemists Committee](https://www.acs.org/about/governance/committees/women-chemists.html). --- ## External Links - [Program page and official details](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/women-chemists-overcoming-challenges-award.html) - [ACS Women Chemists Committee](https://www.acs.org/about/governance/committees/women-chemists.html) - [ACS Funding & Awards](https://www.acs.org/funding.html) - [ACS Inclusivity Style Guide](https://www.acs.org/about/inclusion/inclusivity-style-guide/gender-and-sexuality.html#gender-neutral-language) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------|------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Women Chemists Committee | [wcc@acs.org](mailto:wcc@acs.org) | +1 800-227-5558 | 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA | For general ACS inquiries: [help@services.acs.org](mailto:help@services.acs.org) ---

Women Chemists Committee Overcoming Challenges Award

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