The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) has welcomed 132 new scholarship recipients from 26 states around the country. These students will begin their studies at 26 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) this autumn, majoring in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects.
The new scholarship recipients will join over 300 current FOSSI award holders. FOSSI was founded in 2020 with the goal of lowering financial obstacles and increasing worker diversity in the chemical industry by awarding $40,000 in scholarships to individuals pursuing desired STEM degrees.
Each scholarship recipient is paired with one of more than 70 corporate sponsors who are committed to assisting them in achieving their goals through skill development, mentorship, and internship opportunities.
Since its initial class in 2021, FOSSI has maintained a 95% student retention rate, and the current scholars are set to graduate in 2025. FOSSI’s goal is to sponsor 1,000 students by 2025, and it has already raised approximately $30 million to help 595 students.
FOSSI Advisory Board Chair Jim Fitterling, chair and CEO of Dow, congratulated the new scholars and expressed his delight in their academic performance, contributions to their schools and communities, and potential to excel in their chosen careers during a virtual celebration.
The American Chemistry Council, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company, and the HBCU Week Foundation established FOSSI in 2020. This national chemical industry-wide scholarship initiative awards grants to HBCU students pursuing degrees in related STEM subjects.
FOSSI is a four-year scholarship program sponsored by chemical manufacturers and other industry partners that connects students to leadership development, mentoring, and internship opportunities at participating companies.
To learn more about FOSSI, please visit www.FutureOfSTEMScholars.org.