Chemistry College Grants
Grants as Financial Catalysts
Chemistry or chemical sciences programs are often designed with different types of degree-seeking students in mind.
For instance, the University of Illinois - one of the top Chemistry departments in the United States - divides its chemistry program into pieces that are best suited to those students who need a terse and concise general chemistry program with the intention of working or studying in an associated discipline; or to those planning on hard-core careers within the chemical sciences field.
Viable chemistry careers span public, private and academic sectors and include jobs in manufacturing, industry, education, and technology.
Federal and State Grants
Students with the direst financial need may qualify for Pell Grants. Awards can be up to $4,000 depending on federal funding and need. In conjunction with the Pell Grants there are now two new federal grant programs that were developed to offer assistance to only the most academically talented students.
- The Academic Competitiveness Grant is awarded to the most academically talented undergraduate freshman and sophomores who were engaged in a "rigorous" high school academic program and are among the top percentile in their majors.
- The National SMART Grant is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors who are working toward degrees in math, chemistry, engineering or the sciences. Applicants must be among the top achievers in their field of study.
Why did the federal government suddenly add two new well-endowed grants? Politicians became concerned over the fact that American students seem to be consistently underachieving in the sciences. In response these grant programs were instituted to offer financial assistance academically motivated students as well as force states to ramp up their own "Scholar" programs and encourage public schools to push the edge in academic studies.
- Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Program is funded through the Department of Education. The GAANNs research fellowships are awarded to a certain number of colleges and universities that recognize academic excellence. The grants may be used to fund vital research especially if related to "areas of national interest."
- The Robert Byrd Scholarships is a federal funding program available through state education offices. These grants are awarded to academically talented undergraduate students.
- The Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program from the Department of Education is a program that administers funds to colleges and universities for improving science, engineering and technology programs. Eligible institutions are required to serve a certain percentage of minority students, especially women.
Professional Organizations
There is a push on to encourage minority groups - African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and women - to follow their interests if they are inclined toward the sciences. Traditionally the fields of science, math and technology have been largely dominated by white males and interests sparked by other groups or individuals have lacked support and nurture. In the interest of diversifying the professional field, corporate sponsors and professional associations and societies are developing grants targeting the needs of under-represented groups. Those needs are social and economic. Most grants in the chemical sciences are merit and need-based.
- The American Chemical Society sponsors a Scholars program that is committed to encouraging minority students engaged in an undergraduate program of study in chemistry.
