Community Interaction Grant

Many studies point to the under-representation of minorities in the sciences. The Community Interaction Grant supports ACS Student Chapter projects and interactions that help improve the science learning experience of African American, Native American, Hispanic/Latino and Pacific Islander students, as well as economically disadvantaged students, in grades K-12.

ACS student chapters are eligible to receive up to $500 to support community interactions and projects. The ACS Undergraduate Programs Office awards ACS student chapters each year that provide K-12 minority students with enriched hands-on science activities and give ACS student members an opportunity to enhance their skills as future teachers and mentors.

To be eligible for a Community Interaction Grant, chapters must:

• Have active status. A chapter is considered active if:
  (1) A chapter report was submitted within the last three years
  (2) At least six ACS student members paid their ACS dues
• Submit all financial reports for any chapter grants received during the academic year, if applicable. Projects which continue or show minor modifications of previous activities will not be funded.
• Provide funds to match the amount of the grant

Your project should seek to:

• Actively involve K-12 students, their teachers, and/or parents in hands-on science activities, as this a critical time for children to learn and become enthusiastic about the chemical sciences.
• Enhance the involvement of your ACS student chapter in hands-on science education activities specifically targeting underserved minority children.
• Strengthen the network of your ACS student chapter to interact with ACS local sections and other community groups.