Chemistry group offers financial assistance
by Melissa Sanchez, reporter

    American Chemical Society (ACS) will accept applications until March from minority students for its 2002 scholarship program.

   The program “expects to award $850,000 to current and new scholars over the next two semesters,” Robert Hughes, programs manager, said.

   ACS, the world’s largest scientific society, currently supports academically accomplished African-American, Hispanic and Native American students pursuing undergraduate studies in chemistry, chemical engineering, bio-chemistry, environmental science and related disciplines in two-and-four year college and university programs.

   According to the society’s ChemCensus Report, few minority students major in science-related disciplines. At TCC, it is undetermined exactly how many minority students have declared science-related majors.

   However, according to the department of admission and records, only 30 percent of the entire student body are minority students, and roughly only 1 percent of the entire student body has declared science-related majors.

   Since the society originated the Scholars Program with a $5 million dollar grant in 1995, ACS has helped hundreds of students.

   Over 1,100 students representing 390 colleges and universities in 48 states have won scholarships based on a mix of academic achievement and financial need.

   Not only are recipients eligible to receive $2,500 and $3,000 per academic year, but they may be hired by top corporations like Astra Zanela, Bayer, Du Pont, GlaxoSmithKline and PPG Industries directly after graduation.

   “I didn’t think I’d be hired right out of college,” La Techa Johnson, a former participant hired as a Plant Chemist by PPG Industries in Baton Rouge, La., said

   PPG and other firms all contributed $100,000 or more to the Scholars Program. Many also offer mentoring and paid internships to selected participants.

   For more more information on the program, visit the organization’s web site at www.acs.org/scholars, or call 1-800-227-5558 ext. 6250.