Quick Search

Active Bloggers

Hija Chang Hija Chang
Bellarmine University class of 2021
HBCU CONNECT HBCU CONNECT
Central State University class of 1995
Michael Fortson Michael Fortson
- College Not Listed - class of 2018
Randi Payton Randi Payton
University of the District of Columbia class of 1982
Will Moss Will Moss
Hampton University class of 1995
Joel Savage Joel Savage
class of 1993
Deanna  Johnson Deanna Johnson
Virginia State University class of 2028
Reginald Culpepper Reginald Culpepper
Clark Atlanta University class of 1998
luisa velasco luisa velasco
Spelman College class of 2017

Applications Open for Future of STEM Scholarship Initiative at HBCU Week College Fair

Applications Open for Future of STEM Scholarship Initiative at HBCU Week College Fair
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on September 26, 2025


Today, the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) officially opened its 2026 scholarship application period at the annual HBCU Week Foundation College Fair in Wilmington, Delaware. This marks the sixth consecutive year that FOSSI has launched its application at this impactful event, which brings together thousands of students, educators, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) representatives.

FOSSI is a national program founded by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company, and the HBCU Week Foundation. It provides $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year for four years) to high school seniors pursuing industry-relevant STEM degrees at HBCUs.

The program aims to increase the talent pool for chemical companies by energizing students about education and career opportunities in fields such as chemical and mechanical engineering. It also connects scholarship recipients with over 80 corporations to provide real-world access to internships and information on potential careers in the chemical and affiliated industries. Through mentorship and skills training programs, FOSSI creates an environment that enables students to achieve their educational and career aspirations. This Spring, FOSSI celebrated its first graduating class, with an over 92% matriculation rate.



Since its launch in 2020, FOSSI has made a transformative impact:
• 860+ scholarships funded
• $40 million+ raised
• 5,000+ applications received
• Scholars from 33 states supported
• 47 HBCUs attended by scholarship recipients

"We're proud to continue expanding access to STEM education and opportunities in the chemical industry through FOSSI," said Mark Costa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eastman and FOSSI Chairman. "Launching the application at the HBCU Week College Fair allows us to connect directly with students who are passionate about STEM and eager to make a difference."

Applications for the 2026 FOSSI scholarships will be accepted through January 15, 2026. Eligible students can apply here.

Learn more at www.FutureofSTEMScholars.org.



Future of STEM Scholars Initiative
The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative was founded by the American Chemistry Council, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, The Chemours Company, and the HBCU Week Foundation. FOSSI is a national program which provides scholarships to students pursuing degrees in relevant science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Sponsored by chemical manufacturers and related industry stakeholders, FOSSI provides recipients $10,000 per year for four years and connects these students to leadership development, mentoring and internship opportunities at participating companies.
If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email!
Comments
Please Login To Post Comments...
Email:
Password:

 
More From This Author
Rosen Foundation expanding scholarship program, partnering with Bethune-Cookman University
Sun River Health Is Hiring: Make a Difference in Communities That Need It Most
Healthcare Career Fair Aims to Connect Employers with Qualified Local Talent in Northern Virginia
Largest Class in 158 Years: Morgan State University Readies for Historic Spring Commencement
Delaware State University to Confer Degrees on Largest Graduating Class in University History
FAMU Made: Ian Tibbs turns passion for health equity into a purpose-driven future
Latest News
N.C. A&T Student Named National Science Foundation Research Fellow

N.C. A&T Student Named National Science Foundation Research Fellow

Sydney Bryson, a senior at North Carolina A&T, has been named an NSF Graduate Research Fellow - the first CAES student to receive this prestigious award since 2007. Her research focuses on soil-plant ...more
Will Moss • 121 Views • May 21st, 2026
Rosen Foundation expanding scholarship program, partnering with Bethune-Cookman University

Rosen Foundation expanding scholarship program, partnering with Bethune-Cookman University

Carrying on the legacy of Harris Rosen and his commitment to education, today the Harris Rosen Foundation announced it is expanding its already-successful scholarship program and partnering with Bethu ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 259 Views • May 19th, 2026
Sinners vs. Michael: Which Film Actually Won the Ultimate Culture Debate?

Sinners vs. Michael: Which Film Actually Won the Ultimate Culture Debate?

While Antoine Fuqua’s Michael is dominating the box office with its electrifying, stadium-level concert recreations and a star-making, uncanny physical performance by Jaafar Jackson, critics and film ...more
TaQuan Ford • 211 Views • May 16th, 2026
Healthcare Career Fair Aims to Connect Employers with Qualified Local Talent in Northern Virginia

Healthcare Career Fair Aims to Connect Employers with Qualified Local Talent in Northern Virginia

Healthcare organizations across Northern Virginia will have an opportunity to connect directly with qualified job seekers this June during the upcoming Healthcare Career Fair in Prince William County. ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 389 Views • May 15th, 2026
Popular News
Louisiana Upholds Life Sentence to Black Man For Stealing Hedge Trimmers in 1997

Louisiana Upholds Life Sentence to Black Man For Stealing Hedge Trimmers in 1997

While this may not be HBCU related news, as an AFrican American male, I had to share this appalling decision by the Louisiana court system to keep a man in jail with a life sentence for such a petty c ...more
Will Moss • 403,736 Views • August 6th, 2020
Blonde Instagram Model Goes Viral for Graduating from HBCU and Pledging Delta Sigma Theta!

Blonde Instagram Model Goes Viral for Graduating from HBCU and Pledging Delta Sigma Theta!

A blonde woman is going viral this morning, for graduating from A Historically Black College while pledging a Black sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. @Blonde_HBCU The woman, an IG ...more
Will Moss • 187,729 Views • November 30th, 2020
Apple to Invest over $40 Million Dollars into HBCUs - Time to major in Computer Science!!!

Apple to Invest over $40 Million Dollars into HBCUs - Time to major in Computer Science!!!

On Tuesday Johnny C. Taylor, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund stopped by “NewsOne Now” to make a major announcement that could literally change the lives of thousands of HBCU st ...more
Will Moss • 129,273 Views • March 11th, 2015
North Carolina HBCU Unity Day

North Carolina HBCU Unity Day

Shaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 109,386 Views • August 8th, 2016
Black Billionaire Robert F. Smith to  Donate $50 Million to Support STEM Students at HBCUs

Black Billionaire Robert F. Smith to Donate $50 Million to Support STEM Students at HBCUs

The Student Freedom Initiative announced today a $50 million personal gift from Robert F. Smith, philanthropist and Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. This gift matches the initial fu ...more
Will Moss • 84,692 Views • October 22nd, 2020
Please Give Us a Like on Facebook!
Featured Members