To encourage student participation in local, regional, and national conferences organized by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and its affiliates – and to expand opportunities for students to deepen their scientific engagement and professional networks – the Orlando Section of the ACS offers Student Travel Awards. This initiative helps reduce financial barriers to conference participation and supports the development of future scientists in our region.
Students who have an accepted abstract to present at the ACS Fall 2026 National Meeting and Expo in Chicago, IL, are invited to apply for travel support. The meeting will take place in August 2026 and provides an invaluable platform for students to share their research, attend technical sessions, and connect with chemists from across the nation.
These awards are designated as follows:
- One $500 award for a graduate student
- One $500 award for an undergraduate student
Thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Darlene Slattery, retired long‑time Orlando Section Councilor and the 2025 Gordon L. Nelson Award recipient, the Section will also offer one additional $500award for a student attending a non‑research college or university.
Application Instructions:
To apply, students must submit an application package as a single PDF file that includes the following components:
- A brief introduction of the applicant (e.g., academic status, institution, research area)
- Proof of acceptance of the abstract (such as the official ACS acceptance email or screenshot)
- A copy of the presentation abstract
- A brief explanation of financial need, describing why support from the Orlando Section of the ACS is necessary. This is especially important for applicants whose research groups receive federal, industrial, or private funding.
- Advisor contact information, including email and phone number (The Awards Committee will directly request a brief statement from the advisor confirming the student’s financial need for registration, lodging, and/or travel assistance.)
The completed application package should be emailed to the Awards Committee: Dr. Laura Sessions ( lsessions@valenciacollege.edu) June 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EST)
Selection Criteria
The Awards Committee will select recipients primarily on the basis of financial need, with additional preference given to applicants who: possess an active ACS student membership, have not previously received a travel award from the Orlando Section, and contribute to broad representation across the colleges and universities within the Section. Bonus consideration will be given for the novelty and impact of the research project. To be eligible, students must be enrolled at institutions within the geographic boundaries of the Orlando Section.