The ACS Catalyst Scholarship is an education initiative at the national level designed to support undergraduate students pursuing chemistry or chemistry-related fields. This scholarship offers support to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need or hardship. This program provides $10,000 in funding, with the possibility of renewal in future years, to help students continue their academic journey. The application cycle for spring 2026 closed on March 1, but stay tuned to the ACS Catalyst Scholarship website for information about the 2027 cycle.
The 2026 cycle had the following criteria. The 2027 criteria and deadline will presumably be similar.
Eligibility (2026)
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Status: Graduating high school seniors, undergraduates (freshman through senior) for the 2026-2027 School Year.
- Citizenship/Residency: U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident.
- Enrollment: High school seniors and undergraduate students (first through fourth year). Planning to enroll full-time for the 2026–2027 academic year at a U.S.-accredited college or university.
- Field of Study: Must intend to major or already be majoring in one of the following fields:
- Biochemistry
- Chemical or Science Education
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Forensic Chemistry/Forensic Science
- Materials Chemistry/Materials
- Other chemistry-based sciences.*
- Academic Achievement: Demonstrate high academic achievement in chemistry or science, with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
- Demonstrate Financial Need: You will need to upload your Eligibility Overview from your FAFSA Submission Summary as a PDF document.
*Must plan to pursue a career in the chemical sciences. The scholarship is not intended for Pre-Med programs. Those pursuing degrees in Pharmacy or Nursing are also not eligible for this scholarship.
Stay tuned to the ACS Catalyst Scholarship website for information about applying for the 2027 Catalyst Scholarship award cycle.