“Honoring a remarkable mentor, leader, and advocate for science education by supporting the next generation of scientists*

The North Jersey Section of the American Chemical Society (NJACS) proudly announces the establishment of the Bill Suits Memorial Scholarship, created to honor and commemorate one of its most impactful members, who passed away on April 9, 2020, due to complications related to COVID-19.

Bill Suits is remembered throughout the ACS community for his passionate dedication to mentoring high school students in the ACS Project SEED program, his long-standing service as a career consultant, and his active leadership within NJACS.

Scholarship categories

Category 1  student eligibility

• Completed at least one summer in the NJACS Project SEED program or Rutgers SEED site.
• and be a 2026 graduate of New Jersey high school.
• and planning to enter college and major in a science related field in the 2026-2027 academic year

Category 1 student application requirements

• High school transcript submitted as pdf file in the student application form
• Personal essay, 500-word limit, essay submission is in the application form
• Recommendation from SEED professor mentor submitted in the mentor recommendation form

All requirements for the award must be submitted by July 31, 2026

Student application form:

https://forms.gle/mC9VHNCBeChpnHym7

Mentor recommendation form:

https://forms.gle/ALzbUrmpkyCAKp5f9

Category 2 student eligibility

• Applicant or one of the applicant’s parents, guardians, or high school teachers is a member of the NJACS
• Is enrolled in an undergraduate program aiming to major in a science-related field or
• a 2026 graduate of a New Jersey high school and who plans to enter college with the aim of majoring in a science-related field or
• attending a post-secondary educational institution starting in fall of 2026, planning to major in a science-related field.

Category 2 students application requirements

• High school or college transcript
• Personal essay, 500-word maximum
• Recommendation from a mentor (high-school- or college professor)
• Resume submission

All requirements for the award must be submitted by July 15, 2026

Student application form:

https://forms.gle/gXUXTwcyLJDUrA9W8

Mentor recommendation form:

https://forms.gle/ReijqeWD5G15nFpWA

About Bill Suits

Bill Suits attended the University of Wisconsin on a football scholarship and majored in chemistry. He went on to build a diverse career as a product specialist and sales representative, primarily at Varian.

He was deeply involved with the North Jersey Section of the American Chemical Society, serving in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of NJACS in 2001, and contributing to national ACS committees.

A passionate advocate for education and science, Bill volunteered extensively. He worked with Students2Science, organized and judged the annual NJACS Project SEED poster session, and helped connect high school teachers with ACS, many of whom later became NJACS leaders and national contributors.

Bill also led humanitarian efforts through AIDSfreeAfrica, helping provide drugs and diagnostics to people in Cameroon. As a career consultant, he influenced and guided the professional lives of countless chemists. His legacy continues through this scholarship.