Amgen Foundation grant bolsters Whitehead Institute’s science education programs for middle school students

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Whitehead Institute has strengthened its popular science education programs for middle schoolers this year thanks to a new grant from the Amgen Foundation.

The Amgen Foundation is supporting Whitehead’s Expedition: Bio programs—week-long immersion courses that combine stimulating lessons, hands-on experimentation, and group activities all designed to generate enthusiasm for science among rising 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders in the greater Boston area. Whitehead’s Expedition: Bio programs, which include sessions during the summer and the February school vacation week, are run in partnership with Science from Scientists, the leading in-class science/STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) enrichment program in Massachusetts.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the Amgen Foundation’s support,” says Amy Tremblay, Whitehead Institute’s public programs officer. “With the foundation’s help, we’re now able to take Expedition: Bio to another level.”

Tremblay says the new grant has made it possible to host an additional summer session and to incorporate program enhancements, including wildlife- and ecology-oriented field trips, new laboratory equipment to broaden the scope of experiments, and financial assistance opportunities for under-privileged students.

“The Amgen Foundation is committed to making grants to programs such as Expedition: Bio, where students develop an understanding and appreciation for science through hands on experiments and interactions directly with scientists,” said Sam Guhan, Amgen Massachusetts Site Head and Vice President, Process Development. “We are proud to support Whitehead Institute’s dedication to delivering high quality, creative STEM programming to inspire tomorrow’s innovators.”

The first of the Expedition: Bio offerings to benefit from the Amgen Foundation grant was “Get a Clue: CSI and the Science of Forensics.” Held during February school vacation, the program taught student participants how to apply real-world forensic techniques to solve a hypothetical crime. Expedition: Bio 2015 summer programs held at Whitehead Institute launched in late July; another is up and running this week, with the final session to be held during the week of August 24.

About Whitehead Institute 

Whitehead Institute is a world-renowned non-profit research institution dedicated to improving human health through basic biomedical research. Wholly independent in its governance, finances, and research programs, Whitehead shares a close affiliation with Massachusetts Institute of Technology through its faculty, who hold joint MIT appointments.

About the Amgen Foundation

The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance excellence in science education to inspire the next generation of innovators, and invest in strengthening communities where Amgen staff members live and work. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $200 million in grants to local, regional and international nonprofit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. The Amgen Foundation brings the excitement of discovery to the scientists of tomorrow through several signature programs, including Amgen Scholars, Amgen Biotech Experience, and Amgen Teach. For more information, visit www.AmgenInspires.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgenfoundation.