Chemical industry scholarships focus on expanding diversity in STEM workforce

SABIC is investing $500,000 in the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative to assist people in underrepresented groups with entering careers in the chemicals industry.

SABIC is a chemical company with manufacturing and compounding facilities in Ottawa. The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative is a national, industry-wide program that provides scholarships to undergraduate students seeking STEM degrees at historically Black colleges and universities. The program also provides opportunities for manufacturers, supply chain partners and other stakeholders to fund scholarships, provide internship opportunities and facilitate mentoring and leadership training for these students.

SABIC plans to sponsor 10 scholars over the next two years. So far, 35 corporate sponsors in the chemical industry have raised more than $10 million for scholarships.

The first FOSSI scholarships are being awarded to 150 students enrolling in college this fall. Each student will receive a $40,000, four-year scholarship.

“Developing the next generation of STEM professionals is very important for the chemicals industry,” said Greg Adams, vice president SABIC Americas. “We believe in fostering a passion for STEM among all students and helping provide access to higher education for those who seek to turn those passions into a lifelong journey. These life-changing scholarships will help bring a much-needed pipeline of diverse and talented students from across the U.S. into the workforce.”

For information, application criteria and program initiatives of the FOSSI sponsorship, visit www.AIChE.org/FOSSI.