Celebrating 10 Years of DAWG: FOSSI

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the AIChE Foundation’s Doing a World of Good, we reflect on the transformative programs that have shaped the future of chemical engineering and beyond. One of our proudest achievements is the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) — a program that has profoundly impacted the lives of hundreds of students, empowering them to pursue their dreams and become the next generation of STEM leaders.

"I think the value of it [DAWG] is in the impact on individual people. You will see that impact as time goes on and as people make small changes to make the world a better place." — Raymond Rooks, AIChE Board Member & AIChE Foundation Donor

Recognizing a lack of diversity in the chemical and related industry workforce, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Chemours, and HBCU Week Foundation partnered in 2020 to launch FOSSI. This initiative ensures a robust and sustainable talent pipeline while fostering a more inclusive and innovative STEM workforce.

FOSSI provides scholarships totaling $40,000 over four years to high-achieving high school seniors pursuing industry-relevant STEM degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Scholars also benefit from mentorship, internship opportunities with program sponsors, and AIChE’s Fundamentals of Success program, which offers leadership development, career discovery workshops, industry-specific webinars, and networking events.

The impact of FOSSI extends far beyond financial support. As JonMari McKinley, a FOSSI Graduate from NC A&T State University, shared, “Beyond financial support, FOSSI provided invaluable resources that aided my personal and professional development. CPChem’s investment in FOSSI (and me) did far more than make my education possible; it also enriched my college experience in unexpected ways, for which I am grateful.”

Now in its fifth year, FOSSI has united more than 80 sponsor companies and raised over $40 million to fund 800+ scholars. In spring 2025, we will proudly celebrate our first graduating class—a milestone that underscores our commitment to building a diverse and innovative STEM workforce.

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