Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) Welcomes 2023 Class

Today, one of America’s most prestigious industries has declared the value they place on HBCUs by the investment and commitment they have made in you. I need you to know that you matter. I need you to know that the decision you made to pursue STEM matters, and we all are standing behind you to ensure you succeed. — Dr. Dietra Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs

Welcoming a New Class

On Monday, July 31st, the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) welcomed the FOSSI Class of 2023 at a virtual celebration attended by over 300 students and guests.

With the addition of the new class, FOSSI boasts 430 scholars from 32 states who are enrolled at 42 HBCUs across the country.

Adrienne Blanks, AIChE’s new program lead for the FOSSI Fundamentals of Success, was introduced to scholars as their “go to” for all things FOSSI, and she shared an essential piece of advice: “Check Your Email!”

A Distinguished Line-up of Speakers

Ashley Christopher, Founder and CEO of HBCU Week Foundation and double HBCU alum, told students that she founded HBCU Week Foundation because “I wanted to reach back to students who looked like me and to expose them to all of the benefits that come with going to an HBCU” and added that “attending an HBCU was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.”

FOSSI Chair and Dow Chairman & CEO Jim Fitterling spoke of the transformative power of a career in the chemical industry. “De-carbonization doesn’t happen without our products and technologies. A circular economy doesn’t occur without us leading the way. Greater recycling, new electric battery technology, stronger and more resilient food crops, and better food protection. None of that gets done without us. If you want to change the world and make a difference, welcome – because the future starts right here.”

Chemours SVP & Chief Brand Officer Alvenia Scarborough led students through a brief orientation of FOSSI and encouraged them to fully embrace the experience, noting, “Our goal is to help you finish college well-positioned for a great career with one of 70+ FOSSI sponsor companies.”

Congresswoman Alma Adams, Chair and Founder of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and known as the “Godmother of HBCUs,” cited the critical importance of scholarships to empower HBCU students. She shared some impressive statistics reflecting how HBCUs provide:

• 27% of the African American STEM workforce
• 40% of African American engineers
• 50% of African American lawyers
• 50% of African American public school teachers
• 80% of African American judges

In closing, Dr. Dietra Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs, praised scholars for their incredible achievement. “Today, one of America’s most prestigious industries has declared the value they place on HBCUs by the investment and commitment they have made in you. I need you to know that you matter. I need you to know that the decision you made to pursue STEM matters, and we all are standing behind you to ensure you succeed.”

Join us in ensuring the success of our FOSSI scholars today.

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