Scholarships

American Chemical Society Scholars Program

This is a national scholarship program operated by the American Chemical Society. Further information can be found here. The Selection Committee includes professionals in academia and the chemical industry, and some ACS Scholar Alumni. This committee reviews all completed, eligible applications to determine the best overall candidates. The highest-rated students are selected as scholarship recipients. Scholarships are awarded based on academic record, career objective, leadership ability, participation in school activities and/or academic research, and community service.

The amount of each individual award depends upon the availability of funding, the number of scholarships awarded, and evidence of financial need. Scholarship recipients receive up to a maximum of $5,000 per year. Scholarship awards are renewable as long as Scholars maintain academic performance requirements.

  • $2,500 for freshman
  • $3,000 for sophomores
  • $5,000 for juniors and seniors

To be considered for a scholarship through the ACS Scholars Program, candidates must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
  • Be African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian (please see below for more details)
  • Be a graduating high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior. Seniors can apply for their fifth year.
  • Intend to major or already major in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science AND plan to pursue a career in a chemistry-related science as well (please see below for more details)
  • Be a full-time student at a high school or accredited college, university, or community college
  • Demonstrate high academic achievement in chemistry or science (Grade Point Average 3.0 or higher)
  • Demonstrate financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) and the Student Aid Report (SAR)


 

Scholarships for C of C Students

There are numerous opportunities for scholarships in our department. Please apply through the College of Charleston's scholarship portal for each award. You must be a declared chemistry or biochemistry major to be considered for the scholarships listed below.

 

Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen

The Edward Emerson Towell Chemistry Scholarship

The Edward Emerson Towell Chemistry Scholarship is available to an entering freshman student at the College of Charleston who has chosen to major in chemistry or biochemistry. The Towell Scholarship is approximately $2,000 per year and is renewable for four years as long as standards for continuation are met.

The Towell Chemistry Scholarship has been established in honor of Dr. Edward E. Towell (1913-2003), Professor of Chemistry, by his former students and colleagues. Professor Towell received his B.S. in chemistry from the College in 1934 and his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina in 1944. He joined the faculty of the College of Charleston in 1943 and served until his retirement in 1976. In addition to his service as Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Towell served as Dean of the College and as acting President during his career. The Towell Library building on campus was named in his honor.

Criteria for consideration for this scholarship include:

  1. application and acceptance to the College of Charleston
  2. declaration of chemistry or biochemistry as a major
  3. an outstanding high school record, as evidenced by high school class rank and/or high SAT/ACT score
  4. a copy of the high school transcript
  5. a strong interest in science, as evidenced by advanced science courses and science related extra-curricular activities
  6. a letter of recommendation from the student's high school chemistry teacher. Note: Letters of recommendation can be emailed directly to the Chair at forconim@cofc.edu (please include "Freshmen Scholarship" in email subject), or can be included in a sealed/signed envelope with the student’s materials.

For more information, contact Department Office, 843.953.5587 or the Chair at forconim@cofc.edu.

GEL Scholarships

GEL Laboratories in Charleston, SC has provided the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry funds to award need and merit based scholarships to Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Students are eligible to apply as incoming freshmen and should apply at the link below. Internships with the GEL group are a possibility.

Criteria for consideration for this scholarship include:

  1. application and acceptance to the College of Charleston
  2. declaration of chemistry or biochemistry as a major
  3. an outstanding high school record, as evidenced by high school class rank and/or high SAT/ACT score
  4. a copy of the high school transcript
  5. a strong interest in science, as evidenced by advanced science courses and science related extra-curricular activities
  6. a letter of recommendation from the student's high school chemistry teacher. Note: Letters of recommendation can be emailed directly to the Chair at forconim@cofc.edu (please include "Freshmen Scholarship" in email subject), or can be included in a sealed/signed envelope with the student’s materials.
  7. a demonstration of financial need (Note: Financial need is considered in consultation with the Financial Aid office. For financial need to be considered, FAFSA paperwork must be on file with the College.)

For more information, contact Department Office, 843.953.5587 or the Chair at forconim@cofc.edu.



Scholarships for C of C Upperclassmen 

Brewer Scholarship

The scholarship recipient is selected by the Faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry from among the junior and senior chemistry majors who are South Carolina residents and have demonstrated ability in chemistry, are of honorable character, and show promise for future excellence. The scholarship is a donation of Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Brewer in appreciation for the education received by their son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Greg and Cindy Brewer, B.S. chemistry majors at the College of Charleston.

Gadsden Scholarship

This scholarship was given in memory of Dr. Richard Gadsden by his family and is alternately awarded with the Department of Mathematics. It is given to a rising senior in the awarding department.

Summer Research Scholarships

Several summer stipends are usually awarded to biochemistry or chemistry majors, and the recipients work with a mentor and other students on one or more research projects. The number of stipends depends upon the level of in-house and extramural funds available. Students are selected by the mentors, and the selection is usually based on interests, goals, and grades (especially in laboratory courses).

Frederick Lense Scholarship

This full tuition scholarship was given endowed in 1998 in honor of the late Dr. Lense by his friends Mr. and Mrs. Howard Iserman. It is awarded to an outstanding chemistry or biochemistry major who normally is a rising senior.

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