Founded in 1867, Howard University is located in Washington, D.C. Its mission, as a comprehensive, research-oriented, predominantly African-American university is to provide an educational experience of exceptional quality at a reasonable cost to students of high academic potential. Particular emphasis is placed on providing educational opportunities for African-American men and women and for other historically disenfranchised groups.

The Howard University Amgen Scholars Program (HUASP) facilitates the recruitment, retention and graduation of undergraduates pursuing degrees in science- and engineering-related disciplines, with an emphasis on under-represented students and their subsequent enrollment in graduate, master's and doctoral degree programs. This summer research program helps address a critical area of national need — the recruitment, development and preparation of students for careers in science and engineering disciplines.

Each summer, undergraduate students from Howard University and undergraduates from other universities and colleges across the nation may apply to participate in the Amgen Scholars Program. Amgen Scholars are mentored by members of the Howard University faculty during the eight-week program.

Under the direction of faculty members, HUASP students conduct research on a topic of their choice and complete a research report (research paper or poster presentation). At the end of the eight-week summer session, HUASP students present the results of their research at a symposium at Howard University. Proceedings from the research symposium are published by the HUASP project.

Students are encouraged to submit the results of their research at science and engineering conferences and undergraduate research conferences during the academic year after the summer program. The students also participate in a mid-summer symposium with other Amgen Scholars from across the nation.

Amgen Scholars at Howard University have the opportunity to take a writing course during the eight-week summer program to strengthen basic writing and composition skills, including technical and scientific writing. The course includes specific sessions on the writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and a thesis component, which focuses on formulating a written thesis statement, abstracts and developing ideas for academic and journal submission.

The summer experience includes study tours at two national research centers in the Washington, D.C. area. Amgen Scholars receive guided tours of the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health and participate in discussions with senior science and engineering researchers.