Inaugural Swings for STEM golf tournament
raises $75,000 for Future of
STEM Scholars Initiative
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the
Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) proudly hosted the
inaugural Swings for STEM golf tournament on June 24 at Lansdowne Golf Course in Leesburg, Virginia, benefitting the Future of
STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI).
The event brought together nearly 100 participants, including
chemical industry and affiliated association employees,
Congressional staff members, and representatives of Historically
Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). With the leadership of
more than 20 sponsoring organizations, including presenting
sponsor Dow, the event raised $75,000 in support of the impactful scholarship
program.
Established in 2020 to help reduce financial barriers to higher
education and enhance diversity in the chemical industry workforce,
FOSSI provides $40,000 scholarships
to students studying preferred STEM degrees at HBCUs. To date,
FOSSI has raised over 35 million for nearly 750 scholars and has a
94% student retention rate.
"To remain competitive in today's global economy, it's essential
that we foster an environment of growth and opportunity for the
next generation of diverse talent," said Eric R. Byer, ACD President and CEO. "The FOSSI
program helps to achieve this goal, seeking to fill the STEM
workforce gap in the chemical industry. This week's event
represents an important step in investing in the future of our
workforce so that we can continue to demonstrate the value of our
industry among students nationwide."
Chris Jahn, President and CEO of
ACC, added, "I am incredibly proud of the impact that FOSSI has
made on hundreds of talented students across the nation. Swings
for STEM is not only raising scholarship funds, but also
awareness of the important role of HBCUs and the opportunities that
FOSSI provides students and educators. I'm grateful to all who came
out today to support our program."
During the event, Lisa
Lanzkowsky, Chief Development Officer of the American
Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Foundation, accepted the
donation check on behalf of FOSSI. Lanzkowsky expressed her
gratitude for industry's leadership and support of FOSSI, stating,
"I am honored to accept this check on behalf of the AIChE
Foundation. This will change the lives of future FOSSI scholars and
build on the incredible impact FOSSI has made to date."
Melea Earley (Howard University Class of 2025) joined her sponsor
company, SABIC, at the event, noting, "FOSSI has been an incredible
experience. I was excited to be at Swings for STEM and experience
the support of so many people and companies who are investing in
FOSSI scholars like me. It was also a great opportunity to network
and meet many of the sponsors. I hope to come back next year!"
Brendan Bryan (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State
University Class of 2025) added, "I am incredibly grateful
for the opportunity to be a FOSSI Scholar and attend this
fundraiser event. It was an invaluable experience to connect with
distinguished individuals and representatives from prominent
companies, all of whom share a common focus in engineering and STEM
fields. Meeting professionals who work in Congress was particularly
inspiring as it opened my eyes to new possibilities in advocacy and
potential career paths."
ACC and ACD would like to thank the event sponsors, including:
Dow (Presenting Sponsor); AC & S Incorporated; AdvanSix;
Adhesive and Sealant Council; American Cleaning Institute; American
Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers; American Petroleum
Institute; Bergeson & Campbell P.C.; Brainerd Chemical Company;
Brenntag North America, Inc.; Catalynt Solutions, Inc.; The
Chlorine Institute; DuPont; Fragrance Creators Association;
Holland & Knight; Household
Commercial Products Association; Occidental Chemical Corporation;
Plastics Industry Association; SOCMA; Thompson Hine, LLP; and the
Vinyl Institute.
FOSSI will welcome 150 new scholars this Fall; applications for
the 2025 scholarship open on September
27.
To learn more, visit www.FutureOfSTEMScholars.org.
Future of STEM Scholars Initiative
The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative was founded by the
American Chemistry Council, the American Institute of Chemical
Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company, and the HBCU Week
Foundation. FOSSI is a national program which provides scholarships
to students pursuing degrees in relevant science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCUs). Sponsored by chemical manufacturers and
related industry stakeholders, FOSSI provides recipients
$10,000 per year for four years and
connects these students to leadership development, mentoring and
internship opportunities at participating companies.
American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council's mission is to advocate for the
people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in
innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion
science-based policy solutions across all levels of government;
Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and
communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the
development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member
companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about
challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more
sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by
chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more
prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to
come.
Alliance for Chemical Distribution
The Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) partners with our
more than 400 chemical distribution industry members to provide the
education, connection, standards, and advocacy they need to
responsibly move the essential products our world depends on. As
leaders in the $27B+ chemical distribution industry, ACD member
companies commit to the highest standards in quality, safety,
sustainability, and performance through ACD Responsible
Distribution™. For more information, visit
www.acd-chem.com.
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SOURCE American Chemistry Council