The ACS Catalyst Scholarship is a new, need- and merit-based $10,000 renewable scholarship for graduating U.S. high school seniors and current undergraduates (freshman-senior) intending to major in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical/science education, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry/forensic science, materials chemistry, or another chemistry-based science (explicitly excluding Pre-Med, Pharmacy, and Nursing), with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Required materials are two letters of recommendation, a resume, transcripts, and a FAFSA Eligibility Overview (Student Aid Index) demonstrating financial need; no essay is listed among the required materials. It replaces the ACS Scholars Program, a 30+-year program for underrepresented minority students that ACS ended in May 2025 following a legal challenge; the Catalyst Scholarship does not consider race or ethnicity. The first cycle's deadline was March 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 award year, and that application window has since closed.
Eligibility
Fields of studyChemistry · Biochemistry · Chemical Engineering · Chemical/Science Education · Environmental Chemistry · Forensic Chemistry · Materials Chemistry
DemographicsU.S. citizens or permanent residents only, planning full-time enrollment at a U.S.-accredited college or university for 2026-27. Explicitly excludes Pre-Med, Pharmacy, and Nursing degree paths. Requires a FAFSA Eligibility Overview (Student Aid Index) as proof of financial need.
Applying
$10,000, described as renewable ('with the possibility of renewal in future years' — not stated as automatic/guaranteed).