Apply for the Boot Camp
A workshop for undergraduate students seeking to pursue graduate studies in the chemical sciences.
Pricing: Free
Date & Time: January 31 - February 2, 2025
Location: Houston, TX
The ACS Bridge Program (ACS-BP) is partnering with the Genentech Foundation and the ACS Leadership Institute to launch the Graduate School Readiness and Professional Development (GSRPD) Boot Camp.
Who Should Attend
Undergraduate students from underrepresented racial and ethnic (UR) groups. Students must be currently enrolled in a U.S.-based institution. Traditionally, UR groups refer to primarily African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans; however, other UR groups are welcome to participate.
What You'll Do
The GSRPD Boot Camp will be held concurrently with the ACS Leadership Institute in Houston, Texas. The core workshop activities will be held in 2025, with an additional pre-workshop event that will be held virtually in mid-November. More details of the virtual event will be provided to selected participants.
The GSRPD Boot Camp uses the core components from the Individual Development Plan (IDP) process to assist students in articulating and framing their unique strengths, experiences, motivations, and goals towards their personal and professional development. The GSRPD Boot Camp outlines a strategy for crafting competitive graduate school applications.
Participants will:
- Identify individual values, strengths, and motivations
- Write guided personal statements and receive one-on-one feedback about improving their personal narrative
- Learn and practice constructing competitive graduate school applications
- Gain crucial insights and experiences towards expanding and nurturing a professional network
- Enhance professional development through educational and career coaching
Additional Details
All travel and accommodations will be covered by ACS for accepted applicants based in the U.S. We will select 25 students from the pool of applicants.
What Bridge Fellows Say about Their Experience
“… I had the privilege of participating in the ACS Bridge [GSRPD] Boot Camp held in Atlanta, GA. As part of this program, I participated in workshops that developed my strengths and goals. It was an enriching experience to hear my peers express their passion for chemistry and their motivations to pursue graduate school …”
- Leonardo Birriel Rodríguez
University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras, 2024 Boot Camp participant
“…It was an extraordinary opportunity to connect with an amazing and diverse group of talented individuals, each sharing their unique and inspiring journeys. The boot camp was packed with eye-opening sessions on graduate school applications, resume enhancement, crafting impactful personal statements, and engaging in dynamic leadership workshops…”
- Paola Urbina Ramos
University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, 2024 Boot Camp participant
"The GSRPD Boot Camp was a valuable experience, providing me with new and sharper tools as I pursue graduate school. Through this opportunity, I was able to draft a personal statement and receive invaluable feedback, ensuring I have a strong application. It also pushed me outside of my comfort zone by offering the chance to present before my peers, receiving genuine feedback to enhance my presentation skills. The boot camp was a fantastic networking opportunity, with professionals investing their time and wisdom into the participants to help us succeed in our journeys to grad school."
- Deztiny Clemons
Louisiana State University, 2024 Boot Camp participant
About the Genentech Foundation:
Launched in 2018 with a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the ACS Bridge Project aims for increased representation of students from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups pursuing advanced degrees in the Chemical Sciences through its participation with the Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN).
The Genentech Foundation supports the ACS Bridge Project to increase capacity for ACS’ broadening participation initiatives, such as ACS Bridge Fellow and ACS Bridge Departments that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, the Genentech Foundation supports professional development conferences, like the ACS Bridge Career Conference.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact our team at bridge@acs.org.
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