In partnership with The American Chemistry Council (ACC), Chemours, and HBCU Week Foundation, the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) was established in November 2020 with the goal of helping to combat the lack of diversity in the STEM workforce. FOSSI provides scholarship recipients $10,000 per year for four years, helping to eliminate financial barriers for historically underrepresented groups.
The FOSSI initiative welcomed 151 scholars in its inaugural year. In 2022, the program celebrates its new class of 144 FOSSI scholars, who are from 25 states and will be attending 34 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) this fall.
See the video below for an inside look into how FOSSI is changing the lives of these amazing scholars.
Meet more of FOSSI’s 2022 class
Talia Brown: 2022 FOSSI Scholar Attending Howard University
Talia graduated from South Early College High School in Houston, Texas. She was enrolled as a dual enrollment student which allowed her to receive her associate’s degree from Houston Community College. In the fall, she’ll be attending Howard University with plans to major in clinical laboratory science and pursue a career as a biomedical scientist. Talia is excited to learn and be a part of an HBCU community.
Janiya Richardson: 2022 FOSSI Scholar Attending Spelman College
Janiya graduated from Amos P. Godby High School in Tallahassee, FL. Some of her values include excellence, community, and equality. In the fall, she’ll be attending Spelman College with plans to major in computer and information sciences. In the future, she plans to use her skills to start a tech company and a nonprofit organization that encourages disadvantaged kids to get into technical fields.
Quincy Stoker: 2022 FOSSI Scholar Attending Jackson State University
Quincy is a recent graduate from Lancaster High School in Dallas, Texas. In the fall, he’ll be attending Jackson State University with plans to major in civil engineering. He is passionate about STEM and ultimately desires to enjoy his career while also being a source of inspiration and impacting the lives of the next generation of students interested in STEM.
Jaylen Williams: 2022 FOSSI Scholar Attending Tuskegee University
Jaylen recently graduated from Arabia Mountain High School in Lithonia, GA. In high school, he was introduced to agriculture and remained involved throughout all four years. This provided opportunities to travel and learn more about agriculture. He’ll be attending Tuskegee University in the fall to expand his knowledge and love for agriculture.