Demonstration shows for elementary school students, Hands-on Activities, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day programs, fundraisers, meetings, luncheons, awards ceremonies, talks, National Chemistry Week activities, officer elections—this list could describe the programming for an active ACS Local Section or a Student Affiliates Chapter. Surprisingly, it also describes the programming for a growing segment of the chemistry community: ACS High School Chemistry Clubs.

The ACS High School Chemistry Clubs Program was launched in fall 2005 as a pilot program of the ACS Education Division. The program’s goals include cultivating interest in chemistry among high school students and supporting high school chemistry teachers as they maintain chemistry clubs at their schools.

To address these goals, the Education Division provides resources throughout the academic year to each club. Resources include a start-up handbook, quarterly mailings, information about ACS programs (e.g., National Chemistry Week (NCW) and Chemists Celebrate Earth Day (CCED)), T-shirts, and charter plaques.

During its pilot phase (September 2005–December 2007), the ACS High School Chemistry Clubs Program experienced significant growth. The number of clubs has grown dramatically, from 15 in 2005–2006, to 50 in 2006–2007 and 116 (and counting!) in 2007–2008. According to a 2007 survey of clubs, about 60% of the clubs have more than 25 members. ACS High School Chemistry Clubs can be found in 35 states and in Puerto Rico and are in the service areas of 63 ACS local sections.

• Invite high school chemistry club sponsors and students to take part in NCW or CCED activities as volunteers or participants.
• Extend an invitation to your area high school chemistry club to attend a Speaker Service Program, Science Café, or local section meeting.
• Organize a symposium at which high school chemistry club members attend a series of short talks about diverse careers involving chemistry and the chemical enterprise.
• Plan and co-sponsor a community outreach event with your area high school chemistry club.
• Provide small grants for high school chemistry clubs in your area.

Local Section Innovative Project Grant Program
Innovative Project Grants are a great resource supporting the launch of new and innovative activities, like many of those mentioned above, connecting your local section with your local ACS high school chemistry club. Application deadlines occur twice yearly: March 1 and August 1. Awards notification occurs before June 1 and November 1, respectively.

Get in on the Act
For additional information on the High School Chemistry Clubs Program, email. For additional information on Local Section Innovative Project Grant Program.

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