EMBARGOED BY HHMI UNTIL July 15, 1999
Contact: Christopher Smalley
(617) 638-8491
[email protected]
BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE'S CITYLAB RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE
Grant Money to Enrich Science Education in Local Schools
BOSTON, MA -- CityLab at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) is one of 35 institutions nationwide to receive a precollege science award from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to improve the science education of underserved schools and populations in Massachusetts. CityLab is a biotechnology learning laboratory for middle and high school students and their teachers. The $350,000 HHMI award will help fund a scholars program for those participating in CityLab.
CityLab Scholars are high school students who partake in after-school and summer programs in biotechnology at BUSM. Upon graduation from high school, these students have the option of attending BUSM's CityLab Academy, a nine-month, 12 credit, full-time program in biotechnology skills training and education. Since 1996, 23 students have graduated from the academy and are now successfully employed by a number of local biotechnology companies.
"The award from the HHMI helps to create a financial pathway for motivated middle and high school students to pursue the biosciences over a three to four year period and lead to further education and careers in biotechnology," says Connie Phillips, director, CityLab, BUSM.
"With their wonderful scientists and research facilities, Boston University School of Medicine has proven to be an invaluable resource to schools," says Purnell W. Choppin, president, HHMI. "They have helped large numbers of students and teachers to learn first-hand about the remarkable advances occurring in the biological sciences."
The HHMI is a medical research organization that employs scientists in cell biology, genetics, immunology, neuroscience and structural biology. Hughes investigators conduct medical research in HHMI laboratories at 71 outstanding academic medical centers and universities nationwide. Through its complementary grants program, HHMI supports science education in the United States and a select group of researchers abroad. Additional award information can be found at www.hhmi.org/precollege99.
Established in 1873, Boston University School of Medicine is a leading academic and research institution, with an enrollment of nearly 630 students and nearly 1,000 full and part-time faculty members. It is known for its programs in arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, human genetics, pulmonary disease and dermatology, among others. The School is affiliated with Boston Medical Center, its principal teaching hospital, and Boston Veterans Administration Medical Center. Along with Boston Medical Center and 13 community health care providers, the School of Medicine is a partner in Boston HealthNet, a consumer-driven urban health network.
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