Atlanta
Chapter

Atlanta Chapter History

MISSION:  The ARCS Foundation provides scholar awards to academically outstanding United States citizens studying to complete their degrees in science, medicine and engineering, thereby contributing to the worldwide advancement of science and technology.           

HISTORY: In 1958, the former Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik galvanized a small group of women in Los Angeles, California, to work to re-establish the United States' technological superiority.  They formed Achievement Rewards for College Scientists and made a commitment to support higher education and to educate its members.  Since then, the ARCS Foundation has grown to 17 chapters throughout the United States:  Atlanta, Chicago, Colorado, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Lubbock, Metropolitan Washington, DC, Minnesota, Northern California, Orange County, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Utah.  All members are volunteers who donate their time, efforts, and financial support.  In academic year 2008-2009, over 1,500 ARCS Foundation members awarded $4,482,023 to 46 schools, for a cumulative total since its founding of $70,824,985 and 12,638 scholar years. Chapter endowments for scholar support now total $13,748,763.  ARCS scholar awards support the brightest U.S. citizens studying natural science, medicine and engineering.  Former scholars head major corporations, contribute significant research in a variety of fields, win awards and help keep America competitive in the world of science and technology.

ATLANTA:  Founded in 1992, the Atlanta Chapter currently has 141 members and makes awards to students at Emory University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia and Morehouse College. In the 2009-2010 academic year, Atlanta awarded $219,000 to support 35 scholars, cumulatively over $2.1 million to 462 math, science and engineering scholars since 1992.  As we continue to increase our support of these gifted students, we will have a direct effect on the future of our region and country.  One hundred percent of all donations to the ARCS Foundation go directly to scholar awards.  In addition to its fundraising efforts, the Atlanta Chapter conducts a program of education in scientific issues for its members.

SCHOLARS:  The National Board of ARCS Foundation, Inc. approves funding of accredited institutions with academically outstanding departments.  Scholars must be United States citizens with high scholastic records, financial need and an expressed goal of making a contribution to their community and society in general.  They are selected without regard to race, gender or creed by departmental faculty at each school to which the local chapter makes allocations.  Once selected, the scholar is supported until completion of the degree, as long as academic excellence is maintained.

MAKING A  DIFFERENCE:  The United States has seen a significant decline in the number of degrees awarded in science and engineering in the past two decades while European and Asian countries have maintained or increased the number of such degrees.  While the United States remains the leader in the production of high tech products, Japan, West Germany and the whole European community have made enormous inroads.  Our country remains the world leader in industrial research but our percent share has declined compared to other countries.  Competing in a global marketplace, curing new illnesses and training laborers in new and more complex skills are important issues facing our country today.  The need for scientists, engineers and doctors has never been greater. 

For corporations, foundations, civic groups and individuals concerned with our nations advancement in the sciences, ARCS Foundation, Inc. provides a unique vehicle for channeling dollars into education without expense for administrative overhead, as one hundred percent of each contribution is awarded to scholars.  All ARCS members donate their services in addition to substantial financial support.           

APPLAUSE: 

ARCS is the most outstanding educational fundraising organization in the country.

            Millie Hughes Fulford, Astronaut

ARCS efforts to sustain and encourage young engineers and scientists will serve our nation well.           

            Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, General, U.S. Army, Retired