ACS NEWS
COMMENT and mentors as the major roadblocks to expansion. Funding for student stipends comes from ACS member donations, the SEED endowment fund, the ACS Petroleum Research Fund, ACS local sections, and MILAGROS DELGADO, CHAIR, COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON PROJECT SEED the ACS Matching Fund Program. For the HE COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON meeting are often reflected in their eager- program to grow and for more students to Project SEED invites you to join ness to participate in a second summer of be served, new funding sources must be them this year in celebrating the research (SEED II) and to apply for a SEED identified. 35th anniversary of Project scholarship. As with funding, coordinators and menSEED. Since 1968, this successSEED scholarships are available on a tors are vital to the future of the SEED ful social action program of the American competitive basis to all past SEED stu- Program. The SEED Committee plans to Chemical Society has providdents. The scholarships are reach out to two groups not currently well ed summer research opportuawarded to students who excel represented in SEED activities, namely nities to more than 7,100 ecoacademically, demonstrate a high school chemistry teachers and senior nomically disadvantaged high potential for success, and en- members ofACS. Recently, ACS Immedischool students at universities, roll in a chemistry-related ma- ate Past-President Eli M. Pearce challenged government laboratories, and jor during their freshman year ACS committees to identify roles for senindustries. Project SEED has ior members of the society for which they of college. had a significant impact on stuMany SEED alumni main- could offer both their experience and their dents' lives, offering many bentain an active interest in the time (C&EN, March 24, page 39). Project efits to them, their mentors, program. On several occasions, SEED presents an ideal opportunity for coordinators, and the many former SEED students have them to serve the society ACS local secmembers ofACS who continbeen panelists at symposia or tions interested in establishing a SEED ue to take interest and pride in A mentor has served as mentors or as pro- program may contact the SEED office for this extrordinary program. information. the rewarding gram coordinators. Perhaps the most rewarding role in any During the ACS national Participating SEED stumeeting in New York City, SEED program is that of mentor. Generdents get a unique opportuni- and unique ty to explore chemistry or opportunity to Sept. 7-11, the Committee on ally an experienced researcher, a mentor Project SEED will cosponsor a has the rewarding and unique opportunichemistry-related research for presidential symposium enti- ty to mold young, eager, and talented high up to two summers. Many moldyoung ded "Project SEED 35Yearsof school students who may become our fuSEED students present their Success, Investing in the Fu- ture chemists and chemical engineers. research work in poster ses- eager, and ture." The symposium, which Many mentors see their own opportunisions sponsored by ACS local talentedhigh will be held onTuesday Sept. 9, ties and obstacles reflected in these stusections and universities. Each year, approximately 60 SEED school students from 2 until 5 PM in the dents. For many, it's a way to "give back" Hilton New Y>rk's Gramercy to people who helped them along the students present their research who may Suite B, will focus on the suc- way. projects to ACS members and cess of the program, featuring friends at the well-attended become our SEED is 35 years old and still going presentations by mentors, co- strong. The Project SEED Committee inSci-Mix evening event during future chemist* ordinators, graduate students, vites everyone to join in the celebration of the fall ACS national meetings. and current students. A recep- past successes—and to ensure the future All attendees at the annual and chemical tion will follow, during which success of SEED by becoming a donor, cofall ACS national meeting are engineers. the committee will recognize ordinator, or mentor. Together, we can have welcome to attend the festive the contributions of longtime a great impact on the world. Sci-Mix event. There, they can meet and talk to the SEED students who mentors and coordinators. are ready to explain their research projects Clearly, Project SEED is a valuable step To make a contribution to Project and talk about their experiences in the pro- in extending educational opportunities SEED or to receive more information gram. Attendees generally come away im- to underserved and economically disadon the program, contact Cecilia Herpressed with both the quality of the pre- vantaged young people and in developing nandez, Project SEED, ACS Education sentations and the students' abilities to future scientists and leaders. However, the & International Activities Division, answer questions. program is facing some big challenges. 1155-16th St., N.W., Washington, DC SEED students are also energized by The program's growth has reached a 20036. Your support will help ACS keep meeting and interacting with so many col- plateau in recent years, with SEED prothe doors to a career in chemistry open lege students, professors, and researchers grams in fewer than half of the U.S. states. to students in need. at the Sci-Mix event. Their comments and Wè see financial constraints and fewer volimpressions after attending a national unteers assuming the roles of coordinators
PROJECT SEED CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY
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Views expressed on this page are those of the author and not necessarily those of the committee. 32
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