This year, the Chemistry Club at the University of Detroit Mercy established the Donations for Underfunded Teachers of Science (DOUNTS) mini-grant opportunity. This grant was made available to STEM teachers in the Detroit Public School District. The purpose of the grant is to help teachers fund their classrooms with materials and tools to aid in STEM learning. In turn, the club hopes to encourage young students to take interest in and to potentially pursue a future in science. This grant is important as it removes financial roadblocks for public school teachers in trying to provide their students with the greatest quality education. The club aimed to fund grants of up to $200, for a total of $1200. It was decided that through a raffling system, one winner would be selected to have members of the Chemistry Club visit their school and have an interactive presentation and chemical experiment demonstration with the students. A google form was forwarded to the teachers through their district coordinator. The form inquired about the amount requested, the class the teacher wanted to fund, and how exactly the grant would be utilized. After meeting with a committee of student-volunteers from the Chemistry Club, the application submissions were reviewed and 6 applicants were selected for mini-grants of $200 each, and one classroom was raffled to win the demonstration experience. Applicants were selected based on the classroom’s financial need, creativity of ideas, and scientific application of the grant. After grants were distributed to the winners, the teachers were required to submit proof of purchases when using the funds. This grant is a great way to give back to our local Detroit community and nurture young scientists.

Donations for underfunded teachers in science

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.