For someone already working in chemistry, returning to school to teach secondary students means taking on tuition, training time, and a career transition. The ACS-Hach Second Career Teacher Scholarship offers up to $6,000 for full-time study or $3,000 part time toward a master’s in education or chemistry/science teacher certification. The stipend may be renewed for up to three years and cover tuition, books, room and board, and other eligible education expenses; costs incurred before the award are not reimbursed.
This route differs from the post-baccalaureate scholarship: applicants need at least one year of work in a chemistry-related profession and no more than one year as a high-school chemistry teacher. They also need a bachelor’s degree or higher in chemistry or a related field, acceptance into an education master’s or certification program, U.S. citizenship or permanent-resident status, and willingness to complete a three-year teaching commitment with mentoring.
For 2027–28, ACS lists an opening date of February 1, 2027, a May 1 deadline, and a decision date of July 30. The application starts with a letter of intent so staff can determine the appropriate scholarship; the full file includes professional and academic history, transcripts, admission, and personal narratives. Official rules explain that stipends are divided by academic terms and paid to the institution under acceptance and renewal conditions. Before committing, review current terms and ask ACS what documentation proves the required years of work experience.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program fit your situation and that the application window is current. Gather transcripts, FAFSA information, essays, and references; keep a copy and submission receipt. Track the application deadline separately from supporting-document dates. After submitting, monitor the portal and email until the file is marked complete. Ask the financial-aid office how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other scholarships, and do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, confirm whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition waiver, or loan: they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Request a written estimate of the balance after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal terms, and do not sign a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
ACS-Hach Second Career Teacher Scholarship — American Chemical Society.
Application and Instructions — American Chemical Society.
Terms and Conditions — American Chemical Society.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Each program has its own funding, eligibility, and calendar; confirm the current terms before applying. An advertised award does not guarantee selection.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
ACS-Hach Second Career Teacher Scholarship
For someone already working in chemistry, returning to school to teach secondary students means taking on tuition, training time, and a career transition. The ACS-Hach Second Career Teacher Scholarship offers up to $6,000 for full-time study or $3,000 part time toward a master’s in education or chemistry/science teacher certification. The stipend may be renewed for up to three years and cover tuition, books, room and board, and other eligible education expenses; costs incurre
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
American Chemical Society · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
American Chemical Society · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
American Chemical Society · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
American Chemical Society · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of ACS-Hach Second Career Teacher Scholarship ↗
Primary source
American Chemical Society · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of ACS-Hach Second Career Teacher Scholarship ↗
Primary source
American Chemical Society · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.