Do you know a high school student looking to make the world or their community a better place? Do you know a student planning to attend an HBCU next year with an interest in science, technology, engineering, or math? If you answered yes, tell your network about the opportunity to receive a FOSSI scholarship!
The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) provides scholarship recipients $10,000 per year for four years, helping to eliminate financial barriers for historically under-represented groups.
In 2025, FOSSI welcomed 131 new scholars who are attending 28 HBCUs. To date, FOSSI has raised nearly $40 million in sponsor commitments to fund more than 860 scholarships for exceptional high-school seniors to pursue preferred STEM degrees at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each recipient is paired with a dedicated corporate sponsor from a pool of more than 80 chemical companies and affiliated industry stakeholders to help them achieve their educational and career goals.
FOSSI is currently accepting applications for its 2026 class until January 31, 2025.
Recent FOSSI highlights
Last month, FOSSI Scholars participated in AIChE’s 2025 Gala, which highlighted the remarkable contributions of the chemical engineering profession. The event honored companies and their leaders for addressing societal challenges and enhancing human welfare through the safe and responsible application of chemical engineering. This mission was exemplified by the attendance of Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) Scholars supported by sponsor companies, including AdvanSix, BASF, Celanese, and Eastman.
In November, FOSSI gathered scholars, sponsors, faculty, and staff at Prairie View A&M University for a day of networking, relationship-building, and sharing insights in Prairie View, Texas.
In October, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) hosted the second annual Swings for STEM event at the Lansdowne Resort in Virginia, which generated a total of $111,000 to benefit FOSSI and Creating Exciting Futures in STEM (CEF).
Earlier in the fall, FOSSI joined the HBCU Week Foundation at the HBCU Week College Fair in Wilmington, DE, where FOSSI launched the 2026 FOSSI application.
Application deadline: January 31, 2026
We're looking for students interested in making an impact through science, technology, engineering, and math. Check the list of preferred STEM majors. If you know any high school seniors who are eligible for the FOSSI scholarship, please encourage them to apply here! The application deadline is January 31, 2026.
Join us in shaping the future of STEM. Discover how your company can create a lasting impact on tomorrow’s leaders as a FOSSI sponsor.
