Committee on Project SEED

What We Do

The ACS Committee on Project SEED (Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged) sets policy and strategic planning for all Project SEED programs.

Mission

The mission of the Committee on Project SEED is to ensure the quality, sustainability, and growth of the Project SEED Programs.

Vision

Empowering students through transformative research experiences.

Goals

1. Foster sustainability of Project SEED.
2. Identify and establish working relationships with stakeholders to promote growth.
3. Identify, implement, and promote essential elements of a high quality SEED program.

Committee Responsibilities

• Assist the ACS Development office to solicit funding for student stipends from corporations, foundations, and individual ACS members.
• Review of applications from preceptors for student research projects and decision of level of funding.
• Promotion of awareness and recognition of Project SEED within ACS, the scientific community, and the general public.
• Participation in long- and short-range planning of programs for Project SEED.
• Review of applications for an award of college scholarships designated for former Project SEED students.
• Attend all Committee meetings to represent the interests of the ACS membership in the design and execution of the SEED programs.
• Promote and encourage participation in SEED programs through interaction with attendees, as well as in your local section.
• Serve on subcommittees as needed.
• Advise the Project SEED chair and SEED staff of opportunities and challenges.

Chair's Role

• Provide vision and guidance to the Committee on Project SEED
• Initiate discussions on various aspects of Project SEED programs with committee members and staff
• Seek opinions of committee members in areas of growth or concern
• Serve as spokesperson for Project SEED programs to the Society Committee on Education (SOCED), ACS governance, at-large members, and the public
• Communicate with Project SEED staff on a regular basis regarding progress of programs

Who We Are

Project SEED reports to Council and is classified as an “other” committee of Council. Project SEED is composed of ACS members who have experience and/or interest in the Project SEED program. Project SEED members need not be ACS Councilors.

The ACS President appoints members of the Committee on Project SEED. Members may serve a maximum of three consecutive three-year terms (9 years). The Chair is appointed to a one-year term and may serve a maximum of three consecutive one-year terms (3 years). Associate members are appointed to one-year terms. If an associate member is appointed as a member of Project SEED, time spent as an associate member does not count against the member term limit.

• Subcommittee on Selection – Oversees the application and selection process of Project SEED summer program projects and/or participants.
• Subcommittee on Scholarships – Oversees the Project SEED college scholarship program.
• Subcommittee on Awareness and Expansion – Identifies and pursues opportunities to increase the visibility of Project SEED and the number of active Project SEED sites.
• Subcommittee on Awards – Select ChemLuminary Finalists for an Outstanding Project SEED Program and make preliminary selections for potential Committee-sponsored ACS Fellow nominations.