Applications are now closed
A workshop for undergraduate students seeking to pursue graduate studies in the chemical sciences.
Date & Time: January, 2026
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Applications: August - September
The ACS Bridge Program (ACS-BP) is partnering with the Genentech Foundation and the ACS Leadership Institute to launch the Graduate School Readiness (GSR) Boot Camp.
Who Should Attend
Undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate studies in the chemical sciences are encouraged to explore this pathway. This opportunity is open to all currently enrolled students at U.S.-based institutions. We encourage applications from individuals belonging to groups historically underrepresented in the chemical sciences.
What You'll Do
The GSR Boot Camp will be held concurrently with the ACS Leadership Institute. The core workshop activities will be held in 2026, 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 GSR Boot Camp assists students in articulating and framing their unique strengths, experiences, motivations, and goals towards their personal and professional development. The GSR 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 Previous Participants say About Their Experience
“� The [Bridge GSR] Boot Camp was a transformative experience blending personal growth, dynamic panels, and insider insights. It offered the clarity to navigate grad school and the confidence to take the leap."
- Keturah Badie
Tennessee State University, 2025 Boot Camp Participant
"As an incoming Food Science PhD student, the ACS Bridge Boot Camp provided me with valuable insights into navigating the graduate school application process, connecting with faculty to ask impactful questions, and understanding life as a graduate student. The program also deepened my appreciation for the value of a graduate degree in chemical science. Ultimately, I enjoyed the program because it fostered both my personal and professional growth while allowing me to continue my relationship with ACS."Ìý
- Christopher Carter
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 2025 Boot Camp participant
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About the Genentech Foundation:
The Genentech Foundation, a U.S.-based, private charitable foundation whose Board of Directors consists of Genentech employees who are passionate about providing resources students to help them thrive in their science education. The foundation's generous support has enabled funding for ACS Bridge Fellows, Bridge Departments, and professional development initiatives, including workshops and conferences.
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Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact our team at bridge@acs.org.
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