Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI)

In step with our focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, AIChE is excited to announce the establishment of the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), in partnership with The American Chemistry Council (ACC), Chemours, and HBCU Week Foundation. FOSSI is a national, industry-wide program which provides scholarships to students pursuing STEM degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and connects these students to internships, leadership development, and mentoring opportunities at participating companies.

Goals of FOSSI 

The goal of FOSSI is to secure an initial investment of $7.2MM to fund 150 scholars in 2021. This goal represents:

  • Scholarships valued at $10,000 per year, totaling $40,000 over four years per scholar
  • A meaningful level of ACC industry-member participation
  • A first-year class of 150 outstanding STEM scholars
  • More than 36,000 internship hours 
  • A solution that delivers a real impact for companies by significantly increasing the number of STEM students from HBCUs in the workforce
  • A demonstration of meaningful corporate social responsibility and leadership by the chemical industry.

AIChE will be working in consultation with its Minority Affairs Committee (MAC), which has been dedicated to serving underrepresented communities in the field of engineering for 30 years. The FOSSI program will help strengthen participation in MAC and complement its distinguished awards and scholarships, most of which are funded through the Henry T. and Melinda C. Brown Endowment for the Education of Underrepresented Minority Chemical Engineers.

How can you help?

AIChE hopes that you will share this post with your colleagues and encourage anyone who is interested to opt-in for future communications and details as the program continues to develop. Learn more and stay informed at AIChE.org/FOSSI.

FOSSI Scholarship Application

Are you a high school student applying to a Historically Black College and University for a STEM-related degree? Create an account at HBCU Week to apply for a 4-year FOSSI scholarship. Deadline to apply is March 1st, 2021. If you're an educator or parent who knows a potential scholar, please share this with them.