Less than 2% of Ph.D.'s in biology and chemistry are held by African Americans. This limited number won't meet America's needs when more than 50% of new entrants into tomorrow's workforce will be minorities.  Our joint Science Initiative is an innovative approach that will create new opportunities in the life and physical sciences and develop a huge, untapped resource for America.

     The United Negro College Fund, Inc. and The Merck Institute For Science Education Research Laboratories have established scholarship awards for outstanding African American students pursuing studies and careers in the field of biomedical research.  At least 37 awards will be given annually--15 at the undergraduate level, 12 at the graduate level, and 10 at the postdoctoral level.  The program also provides for institutional support through grants to the science departments of award recipients.

     The UNCF•Merck Science Initiative is dedicated to supporting the training and development of world-class African American biomedical scientists to achieve the complementary goals of national economic competitiveness and social diversity.