Project SEED Fellowship Grant

Project SEED Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Chemical Society
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Summary

The Project SEED Fellowship aims to provide high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with hands-on summer research experiences in chemistry and related fields. Over 50 years, it has engaged more than 11,000 students, offering mentorship and support for college readiness. Participants work under the guidance of scientists for 8 to 10 weeks, with opportunities for scholarships and travel grants, thereby fostering interest in STEM careers and promoting diversity in the sciences.

Overview

Purpose To ensure that students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have opportunities to experience the challenges and rewards of chemically-related sciences. Description Project SEED (Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged) is a paid summer internship program for high school students. For 8 to 10 weeks during the summer, SEED students work in real laboratories, with real scientists serving as their mentors. Students learn about careers in chemistry and receive mentoring in college preparation and professional development. What Is Project SEED? More than 50 years later, Project SEED has grown and diversified its services of providing hands-on summer research experiences (8 – 10 weeks) and virtual summer camps to more than 11,000 students in 40 U.S. states and territories. Each year, the program supports 350+ students with research opportunities with qualified mentors in both academia and industry, as well as providing a virtual summer camp to students focusing on college readiness and professional development, lab preparedness, and exposure to chemistry-related career paths. Types of SEED Program Summer I ProgramThe Summer I program is for first-time Project SEED participants who are given a scientific research project in chemistry or a related field under the direct supervision of a scientist-mentor. Students receive a $4,000 fellowship award/stipend.Summer II ProgramThe Summer II program provides Project SEED Summer I students with an additional summer (or two) of scientific research. Students either continue their research from the previous summer or begin a new research project. These students receive a $4,000 fellowship award. Summer II students may be eligible for a travel grant to present their research at ACS meetings or other scientific meetings.Project SEED ScholarshipsStudents that successfully complete the 8-10 week Project SEED summer experience and decide to study chemistry and STEM-related majors (especially chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or materials science) in college are eligible to compete for Project SEED scholarships. Scholarships range from 1 to 4 years of up to $5,000 awarded each academic year. Project SEED Mission To provide STEM research, learning, and growth opportunities for high school students with diverse identities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. All students under 18 must receive the expressed permission of a parent or guardian.Your family's annual income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size. Below is a table of those figures for 2024. Students will have to provide documentation to verify household annual income for 2022 or 2023. Please visit the Federal Poverty Guidelines website to see guidelines for Alaska and Hawaii.Preferably a current high school sophomore, junior or senior (2024 high school graduates are eligible). Must have completed at least one course of high school chemistry.Must demonstrate an interest in science and/or chemistry.