As part of its mission to advance science education, the Amgen  Foundation has announced a partnership with ten of America'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 eight-year, $25 million initiative that will provide research experience for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree and career in science. For the first phase of the program, which extends through 2010, each of the ten 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 ten program partners are the California Institute of Technology; Columbia University/Barnard College; Howard University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Stanford University; the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of California, San Diego; the University of California, San Francisco; and the University of Washington Amgen Scholars will participate in research projects, scientific seminars, and work under 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.

Each program university partner has its own application process. See the Program Sites/Locations section of the Amgen Scholars Web site for partner application requirements and deadline dates.
 
http://www.amgenscholars.com/