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. -- 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.

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