ACS Scholarship for Undergraduates in Chemistry
Empowering the Next Generation of Chemical Scientists
Undergraduate scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year to support students - the scientists of tomorrow who will use the transforming power of chemistry to address global challenges.
The ACS Catalyst Scholarship is an education initiative designed to support undergraduate students pursuing chemistry or chemistry-related fields.
Applications are open from December 1st, 2025 - March 1st, 2026.
The recording of the Undergraduate Scholarship Information Session held on November 19th, 2025 provides an overview of eligibility requirements, a step-by-step application walkthrough, strategies for writing a strong essay and recommendation letter, and instructions on accessing your Student Aid Report (SAR), which is required for your application.
Applicants will be evaluated based on criteria to include:
- Academic excellence and experience
- Recognition and communication of chemistry as improving lives and a solution to solving global challenges
- Commitment to continuous self-improvement and lifelong learning
- Ability to articulate goals and develop plans to achieve them
Scholarship Highlights
$10,000 Renewable Scholarship
Professional Development opportunities
Quarterly Newsletters for program news and highlights
Scholarship Criteria
- Academic Status: Graduating high school seniors, undergraduates (freshman through senior) for the 2026-2027 School Year.
- Citizenship/Residency: U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident
- Enrollment: Must be a full-time student at a U.S. high school, college, university, or community college.
- Field of Study: Must intend to major or already be majoring in one of the following fields:
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical Technology
- Other chemistry-based sciences.
Must plan to pursue a career in the chemical sciences.
- Scholarship is NOT intended for Pre-Med programs. Those pursuing degrees in Pharmacy or Nursing are also NOT eligible for this scholarship.
- Academic Achievement: Demonstrate high academic achievement in chemistry or science, with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
How to Apply
Prepare Your Materials
- Unofficial transcripts
- Resume or CV
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Personal essays
- FAFSA Submission Summary
Application instructions are outlined below.
Complete Online Application
- Fill out the application form
- Upload your documents
- Review your application for completeness
You must agree to abide by the ACS Code of Conduct
Applications are open from December 1st, 2025 - March 1st, 2026.
Application instructions
- Create an account. The account allows you to update your application at any time prior to submission and view your application status after submission. Your e-mail address will serve as the username for the account so use your most preferred e-mail.
- Click “Apply." You will be taken to the ACS Undergraduate Scholarship application page.
- Scroll down Select “ACS Scholarship for Undergraduates in Chemistry.” Click “apply” to begin application.
- Complete the ACS Scholarship for Undergraduates in Chemistry. See below for more information on the application components.
- Enter and submit the required materials for this application form. All information, including transcripts must be submitted with this form. Information not currently available in electronic form can be converted to PDF for free using the FaxtoMail feature. You may save and return to your application until the submission deadline.
- Confirm submission. Upon successful submission of your application, you will receive a confirmation email from “ACS Undergradute Scholarships.” If you do not receive this email, try the following:
a. Ensure you clicked the “Submit” button in your application
b. Check your email spam or junk folder for an email from administrator@grantinterface.com
c. Verify you included your correct email address in your application.
Contact scholarships@acs.org with any additional concerns
Track Your Application Status
- Check your email for confirmation
- Results announced in the beginning of April 2026
- If selected, accept by May 30th, 2026
Funding for this scholarship is paid directly to accredited college or university institutions to cover essential educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and books.
About Us
ACS is launching a new and expanded undergraduate scholarship program to support student education and build robust leaders in the chemical sciences focused on lifelong learning. The changes envisioned build upon a 30-year legacy of programming that empowered more than 3,500 students to pursue higher education and careers in the chemical sciences. Details will be shared on the new scholarship program over the next six months, including new application guidelines and professional development and partnership announcements.
The new program will officially launch for the 2026-2027 academic year on December 1st, 2025.
Contribute to this scholarship and help undergraduate students become future chemistry leaders:
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