Apply for the GSR Boot Camp
Applicaitons opening soon!
A workshop for undergraduate students seeking to pursue graduate studies in the chemical sciences.
Date & Time: January 29-31, 2027
Location: Dallas, Texas
Applications: August 11 - September 29
The ACS Bridge Program (ACS-BP) is partnering with the ACS Leadership Institute to launch the Graduate School Readiness (GSR) Boot Camp.
Who Should Attend
Undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate studies in the chemical sciences are encouraged to explore this pathway. This opportunity is open to all currently enrolled students at U.S.-based institutions. We encourage applications from individuals whose pursuit of advance studies may encounter barriers.
What You'll Do
The GSR Boot Camp will be held concurrently with the ACS Leadership Institute. The core workshop activities will be held in 2026, with an additional pre-workshop event that will be held virtually in mid-November. More details of the virtual event will be provided to selected participants.
The GSR Boot Camp assists students in articulating and framing their unique strengths, experiences, motivations, and goals towards their personal and professional development. The GSR Boot Camp outlines a strategy for crafting competitive graduate school applications.
Participants will:
- Identify individual values, strengths, and motivations
- Write guided personal statements and receive one-on-one feedback about improving their personal narrative
- Learn and practice constructing competitive graduate school applications
- Gain crucial insights and experiences towards expanding and nurturing a professional network
- Enhance professional development through educational and career coaching
Additional Details
All travel and accommodations will be covered by ACS for accepted applicants based in the U.S. We will select 25 students from the pool of applicants.
How to apply:
- Create an Account
- Visit the Scholarship Lifecycle Manager and create an account.
- Complete the application Form
- Once your account is set up, look up "Bridge Graduate School Readiness Boot Camp 2026" and click the "Apply" button to the right.
- To be considered you will be requried to provide:
- A CV or resume in PDF format
- Response to the three prompt questions listed in the application (a preview of these questions is available on the application description).
- A letter of recommendation.
What Previous Participants say About Their Experience
“[…] This program truly helped shape my graduate school journey. From learning how to navigate the application process to identifying and confidently articulating my strengths as a prospective graduate student, I walked away with tools that made a meaningful difference—especially during my interviews. […]”
- Aria Adams
Tennessee State University, 2026 Boot Camp Participant
“[…] It was truly an amazing experience. I not only met students who, like me, are interested in chemistry and planning to apply to graduate school, but I also had the chance to network with professionals and professors who have already been through grad school! […]”
- Allison Barría
John Brown University, 2026 Boot Camp Participant
“[…] Attending the GSR Bootcamp has brought me together with so many amazing students who are all impressive, talented, serious, but also very positive minded. […] I walked away feeling ready for the future I’ve been building over the past three years, and now with a connection and community that I’ve had the pleasure of building over the course of this boot camp, I know that I am not just entering a profession, but joining a movement.[…]”
- Michael Powell
Slippery Rock University, 2026 Boot Camp Participant
About the Genentech Foundation:
The Genentech Foundation, a U.S.-based, private charitable foundation whose Board of Directors consists of Genentech employees who are passionate about providing resources students to help them thrive in their science education. The foundation's generous support has enabled funding for ACS Bridge Fellows, Bridge Departments, and professional development initiatives, including workshops and conferences.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact our team at bridge@acs.org.
