Advancing Equity in Science Education | Amgen Foundation
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Social Justice and Equal Opportunity

The Amgen Foundation is committed to doing its part in the fight for social justice and equality with a particular emphasis on equitable access to high quality science education.

An undergraduate student in the Amgen Scholars Program, a prestigious summer research program
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Program Overview

We believe in the fair treatment of people of all backgrounds and promoting equitable opportunities for all.

Our work focuses on three key pillars: driving community change, advancing social justice and addressing inequity in science education. To date, we have donated over $11.5 million uniquely in pursuit of these goals, while our science education programs operate based on the principle of equitable access for all.

Our Goals

In response to the murder of George Floyd, we partnered with the Amgen Black Employee Network and other Employee Resource Groups to deepen our commitment to racial and social justice as well as equal opportunity. To date, this initiative has resulted in millions of dollars being awarded to nearly 100 different nonprofits across the United States. As one example, we are also proud to support LabXchange in developing and launching the Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Science Education project in collaboration with leading scholars and experts. The project is aimed at creating equitable opportunities for success in science by creating content that supports educators and guides learners.

In our day-to-day operations, we continue to focus on embedding equity across our science education programs and community grantmaking. For example, the Amgen Biotech Experience reaches a significant number of high-needs schools in historically underserved communities, while Khan Academy and LabXchange allow teachers and students everywhere to access high-quality educational resources online, free of charge. Similarly, when awarding community grants, we place a strong emphasis on addressing social inequities and disparities.

Our ultimate goal is increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in science education.

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Explore Shareable Resources

We support a number of initiatives working to address racial disparities in science education.

LABXCHANGE RACIAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN SCIENCE EDUCATION

AP/College Biology

LabXchange is committed to creating equitable opportunities for success in science. This new content shows how to apply critical thinking skills to identify and transform structures that sustain racial inequity in healthcare, education, and STEM fields in the United States.

THE EDUCATION TRUST AP STEM COURSES REPORT

High school Biology

For this report, the Education Trust teamed up with Equal Opportunity Schools to look at Black and Latino students’ access to advanced placement courses in STEM.

How We Measure Impact

A snapshot of our progress towards social justice and equity initiatives

$11.5 million
donated since 2020
~100
organizations supported since 2020
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Shut Out: Why Black and Latino Students Are Under Enrolled in AP STEM Courses

Although many Black and Latino students aspire to go to college and are interested in STEM subjects, very few are enrolled in AP STEM courses.

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“The Amgen Foundation’s grant support will help us assist our community members who have been continually abused and exposed to inequitable conditions caused by the racial and social justice travesties that have been facing the South Los Angeles area for decades.”

Charisse Bremond Weaver
President & CEO of the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade
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