Navigating the ACS Scholarship Programs: A Comprehensive Guide
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) offers various scholarship programs designed to support individuals at different stages of their academic and professional journeys. These scholarships aim to encourage excellence and diversity in fields ranging from surgical research to social work and chemistry. This article provides a detailed overview of the requirements and opportunities available through ACS scholarship programs.
Resident Research Scholarships
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) provides two-year resident research scholarships for residents in general surgery or a surgical specialty training program. These scholarships are generously supported by Fellows, Chapters, and friends of the College, with the goal of encouraging residents to pursue careers in academic surgery across the research continuum.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for the ACS Resident Research Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria and submit the required documentation. The applicant must be a Resident Member of the ACS, who has completed at least 2 postgraduate years in an accredited surgical training program (any specialty) in the United States or Canada at the time the scholarship starts.
The following information must be submitted according to the guidelines below:
A letter from the Chair of the department in which the resident holds the categorical surgery resident position is required. The letter should confirm that the application holds a categorical surgery resident position in their accredited institution.
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A letter from the primary mentor who will be supervising the applicant’s research must be submitted, with content including a mentoring and training plan. The primary mentor must be an ACS Fellow. ACS Scholarships Committee members cannot serve as primary or co-mentor for this application.
Scholarship Details
The scholarship provides $60,000 over two years (i.e., $30,000 per year) and may be used for direct costs related to research only, including resident salary, personnel, equipment, supplies, and/or travel. Indirect costs are not paid to the recipient or the recipient’s institution. The scholarship is awarded for two years, and acceptance of it requires commitment for the two-year period in full-time research.
If the recipient is submitting, submitted, and/or offered a scholarship, fellowship, or research award from another extramural organization, it is the responsibility of the recipient to contact the College’s Scholarships Administrator. Those applicants receiving other extramural awards will have to choose between the ACS award and the other awarding body.
The Dr. James R. Dumpson Scholarship Program
In late summer 2015, ACS announced the newly established Dr. James R. Dumpson Scholarship program. This scholarship program was established to honor the legacy of Dr. James R. Dumpson, social work practitioner, educator, scholar, public servant, and advocate. His visionary and humanitarian life’s work established standards of excellence to which all human services students who are the recipients of this award must aspire as they follow in his footsteps. The scholarship aims to support individuals pursuing further education in human services.
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship will cover tuition at a comparable degree-bearing graduate program of study, equivalent to the cost of a two-year master’s degree at a CUNY graduate program, as long as the awardee remains enrolled and in good standing each year. In its first year, the ACS Workforce Institute awarded 40 staff members with scholarships to attend various universities including CUNY, Fordham University, New York University, Yeshiva University, and Metropolitan College of New York.
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Nicholas Scoppetta's Impact on ACS
Nicholas Scoppetta served as the first Commissioner of ACS from 1996-2001. Under his oversight, ACS engaged in a comprehensive reform of the city’s child welfare system which won praise from national child welfare experts and the media. Mr. Scoppetta focused on implementing stronger management practices and reducing caseloads. In addition to his time at ACS, Mr. Scoppetta served as the Commissioner of Investigation for the City of New York, as Deputy Mayor for Criminal Justice and as the New York City Fire Commissioner. He was also a President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Children’s Aid Society and founded New Yorkers for Children.
ACS Scholars Program
The ACS Scholars Program supports students from underrepresented minority groups who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in chemical sciences. This program aims to increase diversity in the field of chemistry by providing financial assistance and mentorship to talented students.
Eligibility and Award Details
Eligible students typically include those of African descent or Black, Hispanic or Latina/Latino/Latinx, or Indigenous (e.g. Graduating high school seniors or college freshmen, sophomores or juniors. 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 $10,000 per academic year.
Selection Process
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. The ACS Scholars Program is administered from the ACS headquarters at 1155 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
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