The UCLA Amgen Scholars Program offers hands-on research experience working in the labs of distinguished UCLA faculty members. Students are matched with faculty mentors and work as members of their mentors’ research groups for 10 weeks.

The Program includes seminars on topics such as the nature of academic life, career opportunities in biomedical science and applying to graduate school. Participants also attend workshops that provide practical information on such academic topics as how to write a personal statement, give a research presentation and prepare for the GRE test. Students can meet informally with UCLA faculty members and graduate students, and participate in many cultural and enrichment activities.

At the end of the Program, students write research papers and give poster presentations describing their summer research projects at an undergraduate research conference held at UCLA.

Upon completion of the UCLA Amgen Scholars Program, students are better prepared and motivated to attend graduate school and pursue research careers.