FOSSI STEM Scholarship: Empowering the Future of STEM at HBCUs

The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) is a national program dedicated to increasing the representation of underrepresented professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Founded by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company, and the HBCU Week Foundation, FOSSI provides scholarships, mentorship, and internship opportunities to students pursuing STEM degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The Genesis of FOSSI

Recognizing the underrepresentation of certain professionals in the chemical and related industries, the American Chemistry Council (ACC), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Chemours, and HBCU Week Foundation partnered in November 2020 to establish the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI). This initiative emerged from a collective commitment to address the challenges faced by underrepresented communities and create opportunities across workplaces, including facilities, boardrooms, and the communities in which companies operate.

Mission and Goals

FOSSI's core mission is to support STEM scholars who might otherwise lack access to quality STEM education due to financial barriers. By eliminating these obstacles, FOSSI aims to cultivate a diverse, highly talented future workforce equipped to innovate and tackle the significant challenges of the future.

The program strives to achieve the following goals:

Increase the talent pool: Energize students about education and career opportunities in STEM fields, particularly chemical and mechanical engineering.
Provide financial support: Offer scholarships to students pursuing STEM degrees at HBCUs.
Connect students with industry: Facilitate real-world access to internships and information on potential careers in the chemical and affiliated industries.
Foster mentorship and skills development: Create an environment that enables students to achieve their educational and career aspirations through mentorship and skills training programs.

Scholarship Details and Benefits

FOSSI provides recipients with a \$10,000 per year scholarship for four years, totaling \$40,000. The scholarship can be used for tuition and university-provided room and board. A student may accept additional scholarships, but they cannot exceed the total cost of their education.

In addition to financial assistance, FOSSI connects students with leadership development, mentoring, and internship opportunities at participating companies. These experiences provide invaluable real-world exposure and enhance their career prospects. FOSSI also offers access to AIChE student networking events, further expanding their professional connections.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligible students who are passionate about STEM and eager to make a difference can apply for the FOSSI scholarships. The HBCU Week Foundation leads the process for receiving and reviewing applications, including the identification of external participants for the scholarship Selection Committee, including representation from all FOSSI Founding Partners. Following an initial, quantitative, automated screening process, the Committee will review qualitative application details, determine the candidates(s) which best fit relevant scholarship criteria, and assign scholars an overall rating. Scholars with the highest scores will be chosen as recipients, based on the number of scholarships available. The American Institute of Chemical Engineers will administer funding of scholarships to each of the Universities by semester.

Questions about eligibility can be directed to futureofstemscholars.org/fossi/contact.

Impact and Success

Since its launch in 2020, FOSSI has demonstrated a transformative impact on STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented students. As of 2025, the program has:

Funded over 860 scholarships
Raised over \$40 million
Received over 5,000 applications
Supported scholars from 33 states
Enabled scholarship recipients to attend 47 HBCUs

In Spring of 2025, FOSSI celebrated its first graduating class, with an over 92% matriculation rate.

Launch of the 2026 Scholarship Application

The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) officially opened its 2026 scholarship application period at the annual HBCU Week Foundation College Fair in Wilmington, Delaware. This marks the sixth consecutive year that FOSSI has launched its application at this impactful event, which brings together thousands of students, educators, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) representatives. Applications for the 2026 FOSSI scholarships will be accepted through January 15, 2026. Eligible students can apply here. Learn more at www.FutureofSTEMScholars.org.

Sponsor Involvement

FOSSI is made possible by the generous support of chemical manufacturers and related industry stakeholders. Over 80 companies contribute to the program, providing funding, internships, and mentorship opportunities. This collaborative effort demonstrates the commitment of the chemical industry to fostering diversity and inclusion in the STEM workforce.

On October 20, 2025, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Alliance for Chemical Distributors (ACD) will host the second annual Swings for STEM Charity Golf Tournament benefitting the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI).

Voices of FOSSI Scholars

The FOSSI scholarship has had a profound impact on the lives of its recipients. As one FOSSI scholar shared, "My dream of conducting and pioneering research in the chemical field was made that much more possible by the FOSSI foundation. Their support both financially and academically have transformed my dreams into goals. I feel confident that I have the financial and academic support needed to not only attend college, but to graduate and immediately pursue a career in STEM."

Another scholar emphasized the importance of the scholarship in making their HBCU dreams a reality: "When I weighed my options and decided to attend an HBCU, I knew I would have to actively search for additional scholarship support to make my dreams come true."

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A Call to Action

FOSSI's success hinges on continued support from sponsors, educators, and the broader community. By investing in STEM education for underrepresented students, we can create a more diverse, equitable, and innovative future. Join us in bringing STEM education to more students from more communities. If there was ever a time to act, this is it.

tags: #hbcu #week #fossi #stem #scholarship