PASADENA, Calif.—The California Institute of Technology has
received a $1 million grant from the Amgen Foundation to support
undergraduate research opportunities for 25 students each summer
over the next four years.
Students will undertake research projects under the guidance of
Caltech faculty in the fields of biology, bioengineering, and biomedical
sciences. Participants will enhance their education, applying what
they learn in the classroom to real-world problems. They will discover
how knowledge is constructed and develop critical-thinking, analytical,
and communication skills. They will attend scientific seminars and
professional development workshops, and they will have the opportunity
to take part in an annual midsummer, three-day symposium to discuss
their research projects and hear firsthand from leading scientists
in academia and industry.
"We are honored that the Amgen Foundation has chosen to include
Caltech in its initial Amgen Scholars Program," said Caltech
president Jean-Lou Chameau. "As a result of the Amgen Foundation's
commitment to undergraduate research, we will be able to provide
hands-on research experiences that we hope will encourage the pursuit
of graduate training in the sciences and excite students about research
and scientific careers."
The Amgen Scholars Program is a $25 million, eight-year initiative
to provide research experience for students interested in pursuing
a graduate degree and eventually, a career in science. The program
includes partnerships with 10 of the nation’s premier universities,
six of which are located in California. For the first phase
of the program, which extends through 2010, Caltech and the other
nine universities each will receive $1 million over the next four
years. Program participants will include students of the partnered
universities as well as from other accredited four-year colleges
and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico and other U.S.
territories.
Financial support for students is a critical component of the program
which will ensure that 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, including
travel to and from the university and symposium.
"At Amgen, we believe we have an important responsibility
to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists," said
Jean Lim, president of the Amgen Foundation. "We believe our
partnership with Caltech will provide students with a pivotal experience
that will encourage them to pursue further education and training
in the sciences. In California alone, we are partnering with six
of the state’s top universities, committing a total of $6 million
over the next four years."
The nine other program partners include Columbia University/Barnard
College; Howard University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University
of California, Los Angeles; University of California, San Diego;
University of California, San Francisco; and University of Washington.
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 nonprofit organizations that impact
society in inspiring and innovative ways. It has also supported disaster
relief efforts both domestically and internationally. For more
information about Amgen Scholars, visit www.amgenscholars.com.
