The American Chemical Society (ACS) has made headlines by discontinuing its renowned Scholars Program, which supported students from underrepresented backgrounds in chemistry. This move coincided with the settlement of a federal discrimination lawsuit, signaling a significant shift in how diversity efforts are approached within the field.
Lawsuit and Its Ripple Effects
The catalyst for this change was a lawsuit filed by Do No Harm, a nonprofit organization. The suit argued that the program’s race-based eligibility criteria violated the US Civil Rights Act of 1866 and Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The case highlighted the experience of a qualified high school senior who was ineligible solely due to the program’s racial requirements. The resulting legal settlement led ACS to discontinue the Scholars Program.
- Since 1995, the ACS Scholars Program awarded over $1 million annually, benefiting more than 300 chemistry students each year.
- More than 3,500 students—mainly African American, Native American, Hispanic, or Latino—were supported throughout the program’s nearly 30-year history.
- Scholarship recipients could receive up to $5,000 per year to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemical sciences.
Shifting to a Broader Approach
ACS responded by announcing a new scholarship program, scheduled to launch in the 2026–27 academic year. Though ACS maintains that the move away from race-based criteria was planned before the lawsuit, the legal proceedings accelerated public awareness of the change. The upcoming initiative is designed to foster a broader sense of inclusion and expand support for aspiring chemists.
- The new scholarship initiative aims to reach up to three times as many students over the next decade as the previous program did in ten years.
- Eligibility will focus on broader definitions of inclusion, moving beyond race and ethnicity to encompass a wider array of backgrounds.
- ACS CEO Albert G. Horvath has highlighted plans for increased financial investment and enhanced partnerships to reach a more diverse student population.
Community Responses and Continuing Initiatives
This transition was welcomed by Do No Harm, whose chairman, Stanley Goldfarb, stated that removing race as a criterion upholds merit and broadens opportunities. ACS has declined further comment on the litigation but encourages interested individuals to consult the new program’s website for information about eligibility and application timelines.
It is important to note that the ACS Project SEED program remains active, providing scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, and educational aspirations—without considering race or ethnicity.
Redefining Diversity in Chemistry
The closure of the ACS Scholars Program represents both the end of a historic chapter and the beginning of a new era for diversity in chemical education. While the impact of nearly three decades of targeted support is undeniable, ACS’s future efforts will prioritize inclusive criteria to broaden the reach and impact of its scholarships. The effectiveness of this new approach will become clearer as the program unfolds over the coming years.
Source: Chemical & Engineering News, May 8, 2025
ACS Ends Scholars Program for Underrepresented Students: A New Chapter for Diversity in Chemistry