Amgen Foundation Launches $25 Million Undergraduate Research Program
Amgen Scholars Will Provide Hands-on Science Research Experience at 10 of the Nation's Premier Universities
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 2006--As part of
its mission to advance science education, the Amgen Foundation today
announced its partnership with 10 of the nation's leading universities
to provide hundreds of selected undergraduate students an opportunity
to engage in a fully funded, hands-on research experience each summer.
Amgen Scholars is a $25 million, eight-year program that will
provide research experience for students interested in pursuing a
graduate degree and a career in science. For the first phase of the
program, which extends through 2010, each of the 10 program partners
will receive $1 million over the next four years. Each institution is
charged with selecting participants from both their own student body
as well as from other accredited four-year colleges and universities
in the United States, Puerto Rico and other U.S. Territories.
The 10 program partners are:
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Columbia University/Barnard College
- Howard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of Washington
"The experience of hands-on research is an extraordinarily
effective way to encourage undergraduate students to pursue careers in
science," said Susan Hockfield, president of MIT. "By providing access
to exciting research programs and dynamic industry leaders, the
innovative Amgen Scholars program will engage and inspire young people
- at a time when the education of the next generation of scientists is
more important than ever."
MIT, which has long been at the forefront of undergraduate
research programming, will serve as the national program office and
will play a leading role in providing coordination, technical
oversight, and student outreach for the program. As the national
program office, MIT will receive an additional $1 million over the
next four years.
Amgen Scholars will participate in research projects, scientific
seminars and work under some of the nation's top academic scientists.
All participating students also will have the opportunity to take part
in an annual mid-summer, three-day symposium in California. At the
symposium, students will have the chance to hear firsthand from
leading scientists working in industry and academia, and to network
with other Amgen Scholars from across the nation.
Financial support for students is a critical component of the
program, and thus eligible students regardless of their financial
status are able to participate. Students will receive a competitive
stipend along with room, board and a travel allowance, which includes
travel to and from the university and the symposium.
"At Amgen, we believe we have an important responsibility to
inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists," said Jean Lim,
president, Amgen Foundation. "In partnership with some of our nation's
top research universities, we hope to strengthen undergraduate science
education by increasing the number of available research opportunities
for students. Our hope is that this program will be a pivotal
experience that will encourage students to pursue further education
and training in the sciences."
The Amgen Foundation is committed to advancing science education
through its support of educational programs that provide hands-on
science experiences for students at all levels, in addition to
focusing on teacher quality and professional development at the K-12
levels. Earlier this year, the Foundation announced a $5 million,
five-year partnership with Teach For America to support a program
aimed at doubling the number of college math and science graduates who
join Teach For America by 2010. The goal is to improve the quality of
math and science education in America's underserved public schools.
Additionally, the Amgen Foundation supports several local, regional
and national programs to support and reinvigorate science education in
and out of the classroom.
For more information about Amgen Scholars, please visit
www.amgenscholars.com
About the Amgen Foundation
The Amgen Foundation (www.amgen.com/citizenship/overview.html)
seeks to advance science education; improve patient access to quality
care; and strengthen the communities where Amgen staff members live
and work. Since 1991, the Foundation has made $70 million in grants to
local, regional and national non-profit organizations that impact
society in inspiring and innovative ways. It has also supported
disaster relief efforts both domestically and internationally.
EDITOR'S NOTE: An electronic version of this news release may be
accessed via our Web site at www.amgen.com. Journalists and media
representatives may sign up to receive all news releases
electronically at time of announcement by filling out a short form in
the Media section of the Web site.
CONTACT: The Amgen Foundation
Ashleigh Koss, 805-313-6151 (media)
SOURCE: The Amgen Foundation