PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (May 7, 2020) – Delmarva high school students interested in pursuing a degree in chemistry-related majors can participate in the American Chemical Society’s Project SEED summer program. The program offers participants a $1,000 fellowship and the potential for an ACS scholarship covering the first year of college tuition.
“Project SEED is designed to foster nurturing and supportive relationships between high school students and the scientific community, a relationship that can be vital in the transition from high school to college,” said Dr. Victoria Volkis, associate professor of chemistry and ACS Project SEED coordinator at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Past programs have involved secondary students working in an academic, industrial or government research laboratory, Volkis said. This summer, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ACS will select and organize students into several virtual camps facilitated by two graduate students and an ACS camp manager. Starting July 6, those selected will spend approximately 20 hours a week for four weeks in online instruction including chemical safety, career development, college preparation and communication skills. They will submit homework and online activities to ACS.
SEED students are encouraged to enroll at UMES and pursue a major in the sciences. For the first time in its 13-year history, Volkis said, two students who were Project SEED fellows last summer will be attending UMES in the fall as chemistry and biochemistry majors; one from Washington High School and the other from James M. Bennet High School. Both have also been accepted in the UMES Richard A. Henson Honors Program.
Applicants must have completed at least one course of chemistry and have demonstrated financial need. Applications will be accepted until May 15. For more information on criteria and to apply visit https://www.umes.edu/Sciences/Content/UMES-ACS-Project-SEED-2020/. Contact Dr. Victoria Volkis at vvolkis@umes.edu with questions.
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Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, School of Agricultural & Natural Sciences, 410-621-3850, gcstephens@umes.edu.
