AMGEN FOUNDATION AND LEADING UNIVERSITIES INVITE COLLEGE STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR:
AMGEN SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Hands-On Science Program Places Students in the Lab with Faculty Members for Intensive Research Experience.
The Amgen Scholars Program, a partnership of the Amgen Foundation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and premier universities around the country, is now accepting applications for the summer of 2008. The annual Amgen Scholars Program provides undergraduates the opportunity for hands-on research at 10 of the nation's leading universities to explore an area of research under a faculty mentor beyond what they may be able to do as part of their regular undergraduate education.
Pre and post-program surveys of the 238 Amgen Scholars from 2007, conducted by the Center for Evaluation and Education Policy, revealed that participating students reported an increase in science proficiency in a number of areas:
80% of participating students reported being proficient or every proficient in their understanding and awareness of science-based career options, versus 48% pre-program;
90% of students post-program reported being proficient or every proficient in laboratory skills, as compared to 73% pre-program;
64% reported being proficient or every proficient in their understanding of drug discovery and development, while only 15% did pre-program;
Preparation for graduate school was rated by students as one of the most valuable aspects of the program.
Students often get consumed with the idea that science is all about book knowledge or getting an A in their organic chemistry class. However, in the greater context, science is about collaborative learning, communication of research, an an ultimate enthusiasm for the subject material, said Karen Levy, 2007 Amgen Scholar who is from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and participated at Columbia University. A program like Amgen Scholars is so important for anyone considering a career in science because it exposes them to advances in scientific knowledge that do not come from a textbook.
Financial support for students is a critical component of the program which aims to ensure that eligible students, regardless of their financial status, are able to participate. Please note that details vary by host university.
Amgen Foundations' 10 host universities for the Amgen Scholars program are California Institute of Technology; 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.
MIT, which has long been at the forefront of undergraduate research programming, serves as the national program office and plays a leading role inthe coordination, technical oversight and student outreach for the program.
For more information about Amgen Scholars or an application, please visit: www.amgenscholars.com
CONTACT:
Amgen Foundation
Kristen Davis, (805) 447-3008
MIT
Pamela Dumas Serfes, (617) 253-2700