WASHINGTON (September 30, 2021) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today received the American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) “Power of A” Silver Award, for its commitment to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the chemical industry under the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI). FOSSI is a collaborative initiative between ACC, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), The Chemours Company and the HBCU Week Foundation dedicated to reducing financial barriers for students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).
The association industry’s highest honor, the “Power of A” awards recognize extraordinary contributions and efforts to enrich lives, create a more competitive workforce, drive innovation, and make a better world.
FOSSI is a national chemical industry-wide scholarship program which provides students $40,000 scholarships and connects them to leadership development, mentoring and internship opportunities at sponsoring companies.
“FOSSI illustrates the impact collaborative, industry-wide initiatives can have on the lives of communities of color that have historically been overlooked and underrepresented. I hope this initiative can serve as a model for other associations to help advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce and nationwide,” said ACC President & CEO Chris Jahn.
Launched in 2020 with an ambitious first year goal of underwriting 150 scholars, FOSSI has exceeded that goal with the support of more than 40 ACC members and related industry stakeholders. To date, FOSSI has raised more than $11 million and sponsored 151 scholarships.
“Congratulations for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE President & CEO Susan Robertson, CAE. “It’s always so incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight this award-winning initiative.”
To learn more about FOSSI, visit FutureofSTEMscholars.org.
For Media Inquiries:
Kelly Montes de Oca
Kelly_Montesdeoca@americanchemistry.com
About the American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®; common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $565 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is among the largest exporters in the nation, accounting for ten percent of all U.S. goods exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure. Learn more about ACC member company commitments to sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion here.
About the American Institute of Chemical Engineers
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) is a professional society of more than 60,000 chemical engineers in 110 countries. Its members work in corporations, universities, and government using their knowledge of chemical processes to develop safe and useful products for the benefit of society. Through its varied programs, AIChE continues to be a focal point for information exchange on the frontiers of chemical engineering research in such areas as energy, sustainability, biological and environmental engineering, nanotechnology, and chemical plant safety and security. More information about AIChE is available at www.aiche.org. Detail about the AIChE Foundation’s Doing a World of Good campaign and other programs is available at www.aiche.org/giving/. More about AIChE’s IDEAL statement can be found here: https://www.aiche.org/IDEAL.
About The Chemours Company
The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in Titanium Technologies, Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Advanced Performance Materials, and Chemical Solutions providing its customers with solutions in a wide range of industries with market-defining products, application expertise and chemistry-based innovations. We deliver customized solutions with a wide range of industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration, and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and consumer electronics, general industrial, mining and oil and gas. Our flagship products include prominent brands such as Ti-Pure™, Opteon™, Freon™, Teflon™, Viton™, Nafion™, and Krytox™. In 2019, Chemours was named to Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies. The company has approximately 6,500 employees and 30 manufacturing sites serving approximately 3,300 customers in approximately 120 countries. Chemours is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC.
About the HBCU Week Foundation
The mission of the HBCU Week Foundation is to encourage high-school aged youth to enroll into HBCU's, provide scholarship dollars for matriculation and sustain a pipeline for employment from undergraduate school to corporate America. The most impactful event during HBCU Week is the HBCU College Fair. HBCU Week Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.