The American Chemistry Council (ACC), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company and HBCU Week Foundation announced the chemical industry's first collaborative equity, diversity and inclusion initiative aimed at creating pathways for more underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in the chemical industry.
The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) provides opportunities for manufacturers, supply chain partners and other stakeholders to fund scholarships, create internships and facilitate mentoring and leadership training for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
With an ambitious first-year goal of underwriting 150 STEM Scholars at an investment of $7.2 million, FOSSI brings together the chemical industry's collective might to make a significant impact on the future of the industry.
FOSSI is a core initiative of the AIChE Doing a World of Good campaign and its All for Good: Engineering for Inclusion priority, which is driving industry-wide improvement in equity, diversity and inclusion.
ACC and The Chemours Company are founding partners in FOSSI, driving industry commitments to help meet the program's bold first-year goal.
As a lead sponsor, Chemours has also pledged a multi-year commitment of $5 million. HBCU Week Foundation will serve as scholarship administrator for the initiative, driving engagement with educational institutions and students alike.
"ACC and our members are committed to enhancing diversity in our facilities, our Board rooms and the communities in which we operate," ACC President and CEO Chris Jahn said. "We recognize the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion programs like FOSSI to help build a cohesive and united workforce which enhances economic growth for all businesses and individuals."
"AIChE is fully committed to an equity, diversity, and inclusion goal of 100% parity within the profession," said June Wispelwey, executive director and CEO of AIChE. "Working in collaboration with partners such as ACC, Chemours and HBCU Week Foundation, we envision that FOSSI will pave the way for hundreds of students to attend HBCUs — and become the future superstars of the chemical industry."
