ACS Project SEED Program

What Is Project SEED?

On April 4, 1968 the ACS Council passed a resolution “to take the appropriate steps to ease the problems of underprivileged segments of the nation’s population, particularly in relation to lack of education and unemployment”; a resolution in response to one of the most turbulent years of the 20th century, fueled by racial tension, segregation, police brutality, lack of employment and opportunity for all.  The ACS wisely recognized the toll that the political and social unrest could take in terms of the future of the chemical sciences: depriving underprivileged people from access to education and employment, and the chemical industry from the potential contributions by this growing pool of individuals.  From this, Project SEED (originally “Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged”) was born and has flourished.

More than 50 years later, Project SEED has grown and diversified its services of providing hands-on summer research experiences (8 – 10 weeks) and virtual summer camps to more than 11,000 students in 40 U.S. states and territories.  Each year, the program supports 350+ students with research opportunities with qualified mentors in both academia and industry, as well as providing a virtual summer camp to students focusing on college readiness and professional development, lab preparedness, and exposure to chemistry-related career paths.

Project SEED Mission

To provide sustained STEM research, learning, and growth opportunities for high school students with diverse identities and socioeconomic backgrounds so they can be empowered to advance and enrich the chemical science enterprise.

Project SEED Webinars

Looking for the ACS Webinar with Project SEED alum and leading COVID-19 researcher Dr. Kizzmekia "Kizzy" Corbett? Access this and other free Project SEED webinars on demand.


Use our locator map to see where Project SEED sites have operated prior to 2020.

Use our locator map to see where Project SEED sites operate.

The 2022 Student Application for the Project SEED Program is now closed. It will reopen early 2023.

The 2024 Student Application for the Project SEED Program is OPEN

Support students participating in valuable summer research experiences, and help them reach their true potential.

Support students participating in valuable summer research experiences, and help them reach their true potential.


50 Years of Project SEED by the Numbers  

50+ years serving students

350+ participating institutions

12,000 students

40 U.S. states and territories

Join the ACS Project SEED community

Are you interested in ensuring the future of this program? It takes both students and donors to make it happen! Consider applying if you are an eligible student. If you would like to donate to the ACS Project SEED Program, please find more information below.

I WANT TO DONATE

For more information

Phone: 1-800-227-5558 (ext. 8062)
Email: projectseed@acs.org
Please email us for the fastest response.

ACS Project SEED Program
1155 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036