Program Overview

Introduction to the Amgen Scholars Program

The Amgen Scholars Program at Howard is a 9-week residential summer research program for undergraduates interested in doing research in biotechnology and related biomedical sciences.

Program Details

• Internship Dates: Saturday, May 16, 2026 through Saturday, July 18, 2026.
• Howard Amgen Scholars conduct hands-on research under the mentorship of faculty and supervisors (post-docs and doctoral students).
• Laboratory hosts are affiliated with a variety of divisions of the university, including the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) departments: Physics, Chemistry, Engineering; Howard University Medical School, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Howard's Interdisciplinary Research Institute.
• Scholars participate in scholarly and pre-professional development sessions and cohort social activities and will attend the North American Amgen Scholars Symposium.
• Examples of pre-professional development and scholarly training include workshops on topics such as how to think like a scientist/researcher, research integrity, PhD and MD/PhD student experiences, and the graduate school application process.

Scholar Expectations

• Full participation in the 9 weeks of the internship program.
• Reside in housing provided on Howard's campus.
• Participate as a full collaborator in the assigned laboratory.
• Attend all activities as part of the summer experience.
• Mandatory attendance and participation in the Amgen Scholars Symposium.
• Present their summer project at the symposium oral presentation.
• Complete surveys, readings (articles) as assigned.

Benefits for Scholars

• A $5,000 stipend.
• Housing and meals paid for by the Howard Amgen Program.
• Travel allowance for travel to and from DC.
• Paid travel to and from the Amgen Scholars Symposium.

Eligibility

• The Amgen Scholars Program at Howard selects undergraduates with high academic success, research interests in the indicated fields, and a commitment to pursuing a career in science, especially research.
• Applicants must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident.
  • Be undergraduate students enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories.
  • Be sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies).
  • Have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or above (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Have an interest in pursuing a STEM Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
• Previous research experience is not required for participation.

Application Deadline

• Deadline: February 1, 2026 (11:59PM Eastern Time).