Welcome to the ACS Graduate Mentorship Program!  


Submit You Interest
📣Applications are closed! Thank you for your interest in the ACS Graduate Student Mentorship Program, the application period for the Fall cohort has ended. To stay up to date on future cohorts and other ACS Mentorship Program launches, visit ACS.org.

Before you apply! Please review the ACS Mentorship Program Terms and Conditions; ACS Mentorship Program Privacy Notice; and ACS Mentorship Program Code of Conduct. You will be asked to agree to these when you apply.

Mentorship, a professional working alliance that supports personal and professional growth through career and psychosocial support, is at the heart of how ACS supports chemical scientists. In small, curated groups of up to 5 mentees to 1 mentor, mentees gain a supportive space to develop as researchers, scholars, and future professionals while navigating the evolving demands of the chemical sciences.

How the Program Works

The ACS Graduate Mentorship Program offers graduate students a connected community where meaningful academic and career development unfolds through sustained interaction and evidence-based guidance. Program participants will select their preferred theme based on the goals of their mentoring journey. Within each group, mentees can expect peer learning, shared problem solving, and support. Read on for descriptions of the five thematic areas and then navigate to the Mentor and Mentee Information pages to learn more about the program.

  • Navigating Graduate School  
     
    Support focused on academic and personal success during graduate school. Potential topics include research life, academic expectations, time management, advisor relationships, imposter syndrome, building your support network, and developing a strong scholarly identity. Ideal for early‑stage grad students or those looking to strengthen their academic foundation.

  • Postdoctoral Life & Pathways to Academia  
     
    Guidance for PhD students preparing for postdoc or interested in academic careers. Potential topics include publishing strategies, grant writing, job market preparation, teaching portfolios, lab management, and transitioning into postdoctoral positions, teaching‑focused roles, or preparing for tenure‑track faculty positions.  

  • Transitioning to Industry Careers  
     
    Exploring and entering industry roles across sectors such as pharma & biotech, material science, cosmetic chemistry, sustainability and guidance on translating academic training into industry expectations. Potential topics include networking, skills translation, interviewing, navigating corporate culture, and understanding specialized pathways.   

  • Careers in Government & Nonprofit  
     
    Support for those pursuing roles in federal/state agencies, NGOs, think tanks, or mission‑driven organizations. Potential topics include understanding hiring processes, shaping impact‑driven careers, and aligning values with professional goals.   

  • Career Exploration & Professional Development

A theme for graduate students who are undecided or considering multiple pathways. Ideal for those still clarifying their post-graduation direction, exploring multiple pathways, and identifying strengths, values, and long-term goals. Potential topics include identifying strengths, clarifying goals, informational interviewing, building professional skills, and discovering what environments they thrive in. 


🤝 Why Become a Mentor?
Support emerging chemical scientists as they navigate graduate school and early career decisions. Mentor a small group of up to five mentees and share insights across academic, industry, government, or nonprofit pathways. As an ACS mentor, you’ll receive training in evidence‑based, inclusive mentoring practices, helping you guide students with confidence while contributing to a more supportive scientific community. 
🌱 Why Become a Mentee?
Join a small, supportive mentoring group led by an ACS‑trained mentor. Get practical guidance for navigating graduate school, building research and professional skills, and exploring careers across academia, industry, government, or nonprofit sectors. Strengthen your confidence, expand your network, and make informed decisions about the next steps in your professional and academic journey.  

🌟 "I found this mentorship to be extremely valuable for my career development, and it helped build my confidence for my career moving forward amidst plenty of funding/opportunity uncertainty."  

- 2025 ACS Mentorship Program Participant


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