The American Chemistry Council (ACC), the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company and the HBCU Week Foundation collaborated last year to establish The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI). Forty-three chemical manufacturers and other related industry stakeholders formed the FOSSI collective that supports equity, diversity and inclusion by creating pathways for those in underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in the chemical industry.
The initiative surpassed its 2021 goal, reaching $7.2 million for the funding of 151 student scholarships for those majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Over 1700 students applied for the scholarships. In addition, multi-year commitments were received from sponsoring organizations, raising an additional $4 million in support of future scholars.
“The incredible interest we saw from these applicants illustrates the need this scholarship fills within our black and brown communities. The excitement from recipients and their families as we’ve notified each student has been overwhelming, and we are looking forward to building and growing the program to reach even more scholars in the future,” said Ashley Christopher, Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation.
Each student will receive $10,000 per year for four years, as well as opportunities for internships, mentoring and leadership training. Twenty-six states were represented in the awardees who will attend 23 HBCUs.
“As lead sponsor of FOSSI, Chemours is thrilled to bring our Corporate Responsibility Commitment to action. It is with the support of organizations like these that we can have a meaningful impact on the future workforce of the chemical industry,” said Mark Vergnano, ACC Board of Director’s Chairman, Chemours President and CEO, and founding chair of FOSSI.
“I am proud to stand with the more than 40 ACC members and affiliates who have eagerly responded to our ambitious goal to raise $7.2 million in support of FOSSI in its inaugural year,” stated ACC President & CEO Chris Jahn. “ACC and our members are committed to leading our industry in enhancing diversity in our facilities, our communities and nationwide.”
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