The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), an industry-funded scholarship program that has raised more than $40 million for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, has opened applications for its next cohort. The deadline is Jan. 8, 2027.

The award is open to high school seniors who plan to earn STEM degrees relevant to the chemical industry at an HBCU and who hope to build careers in that field. Each recipient receives $10,000 a year for four years, along with mentoring, leadership training, internship opportunities, and networking with sponsoring companies.

Since its launch in 2020, FOSSI has funded more than 900 scholarships for students at more than 40 HBCUs nationwide. It was founded by the American Chemistry Council, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, The Chemours Company, and the HBCU Week Foundation, and is supported by chemical manufacturers and related industry groups.

Organizers point to early outcomes as evidence the model is working. According to FOSSI, its recipients have graduated at nearly three times the average four-year rate at HBCUs. Nearly 80 percent of graduates are either working full-time in STEM-related fields or enrolled in graduate school, and they are twice as likely as their non-FOSSI peers to land full-time jobs in their intended field. Many have taken positions with the initiative's corporate sponsors.

"When we invest in students, we're investing in the future innovators, scientists, engineers, and leaders who will help solve some of society's most important challenges," said Mark Costa, chair of the FOSSI Advisory Board and chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical Company.

Costa added that it has been especially gratifying to watch the first graduates build careers in chemistry and related disciplines while a new cohort begins its studies. The most recent class started college this year and is expected to graduate in 2030.

Recipients say the benefits go beyond tuition dollars. Samiya Miller, a student at North Carolina A&T State University, said the initiative's financial and academic backing has pushed her ambitions further.

"My dream is to be able to conduct and pioneer research in the chemical field," Miller said. "Their support both financially and academically have transformed my dreams into goals. Now, I can dream bigger."

Applications are due Jan. 8, 2027. Eligible high school seniors can apply here.