Safety for All Scholarship

The NSC Safety for All Scholarship Program is committed to building a workforce of occupational, safety and health professionals that reflect the various cultures and ethnicities represented in the U.S.

NSC launched the Safety for All Scholarship, funded by Chemours, to foster diversity and support the emergence of a more inclusive generation of safety professionals. Five academic scholarships were awarded to students pursing an undergraduate degree at historically Black colleges and universities, and Hispanic serving institutions, to help jumpstart their safety careers.

2024 Chemours Safety Scholarship Winners

Kennedy's journey into environmental science started with a small change in personal habits, like choosing metal straws over plastic, which gradually grew into a deep commitment to the environment. Kennedy's drive stems from witnessing pressing global issues like air pollution, contaminated water, climate change and waste. Through high school courses and a summer internship with the City of San Antonio Public Works, Kennedy developed a practical understanding of environmental science, specifically the environmental benefits of infrastructure improvements. Kennedy aims to become an environmental scientist focused on pollution reduction and sustainable solutions.

Impact on Safety for All

As an African American woman, Kennedy is passionate about addressing disparities in environmental science, where only 3.1% of professionals are Black. Kennedy’s vision includes obtaining a master’s degree to conduct research that benefits marginalized communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. Kennedy aims to advocate for those communities ensuring their voices are heard, creating accessible solutions for pollution and waste, and advancing inclusivity within the environmental field.

Nature has always been Jasmine's sanctuary, providing peace and escape. Despite early doubts, her mother encouraged her to turn this passion into a career. Jasmine’s drive to pursue environmental science grew after learning about the severe health impacts of pollution on marginalized communities. She was particularly motivated by stories of environmental racism, which fueled her dedication to seeking solutions that promote environmental justice and advocating for underrepresented voices in the field. Jasmine envisions a world where environmental education and advocacy are accessible to everyone.

Impact on Safety for All

Jasmine is committed to promoting environmental safety for all. Her leadership as vice president of FAMU’s GenCleo Chapter and involvement in community safety initiatives allow her to integrate cultural competency into safety practices. Jasmine’s goal is to develop inclusive safety protocols that address environmental disparities faced by marginalized communities. Through her education and future work in environmental safety, she aims to craft equitable safety standards that serve the varied needs of all populations, driving meaningful policy change and ensuring a culturally sensitive approach to environmental health and safety.

Taylor has always been fascinated by science and technology, particularly in how they enhance understanding of the natural world and improve lives. She enjoys the intellectual challenges of science and mathematics and is inspired by her mentors and mother to pursue a career that combines her interest in dermatology with her passion for helping others. Taylor is particularly drawn to dermatology due to its potential to positively impact mental health by addressing skin concerns that affect self-esteem.

Commitment to Safety for All

Taylor is dedicated to creating inclusive environments and supporting diversity in her future career. She plans to advocate for policies that allow individuals from diverse backgrounds to have equal opportunities. Through mentorship and outreach, she aims to inspire underrepresented groups to pursue STEM, particularly in medical fields like dermatology where representation is lacking. Taylor believes in updating policies to remove biases and encourages blind reviews to focus on candidate skills, creating a more welcoming environment in STEM and safety fields.

Kenzie chose computer science and engineering with the goal of using technology to address critical issues like climate change and social inequality. She hopes to work on projects that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to create sustainable energy solutions and improve access to resources for marginalized communities. As a Black woman, Kenzie is committed to making a positive impact in her field by using her skills to create technologies that benefit society.

Commitment to Safety for All

Growing up in the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, Kenzie has been shaped by a strong commitment to service and equality. She is passionate about advocating for Black maternal health, inspired by the tragic loss of Dr. Chaniece Wallace, an African American physician who died from complications of pregnancy. Kenzie aims to work with lawmakers to mandate policies that ensure women of color have access to minority physicians. She envisions developing technological solutions to improve access to healthcare for underserved communities, ultimately creating safe environments for all.

Marcus is passionate about fostering a safety culture that is inclusive and accessible to all workers in the construction industry. Inspired by his experience at the 2023 and 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, he recognizes the critical role that safety plays in protecting construction workers. Marcus is dedicated to learning more about safety and incorporating it into his field to create an environment where every worker, regardless of background, feels protected and valued.

Commitment to Safety for All

Marcus’s approach to safety for all centers around education, advocacy and community engagement. He believes educating others on the importance of inclusivity is essential to building a diverse workforce in safety. By engaging with local organizations and community leaders, Marcus aims to address safety concerns within marginalized communities, helping to ensure that safety practices are responsive to the needs of all groups.