GRAND RAPIDS – The Van Andel Education Institute has signed an agreement with United Negro College Fund to cooperatively recruit students at historically black institutions interested in research training in the biomedical sciences, specifically in the cellular, molecular, and genetic biology of human disease.
Under the terms of the joint initiative, UNCF and VAEI will work together to recruit qualified students and place them in two programs: the Van Andel Institute Summer Internship Program and the Van Andel Institute Graduate School doctoral program.
African Americans currently hold less than three percent of U.S. doctoral degrees in biology, chemistry, and engineering.
?UNCF has a wealth of experience in helping students of color get the education they need to launch careers in the sciences,? said UNCF president and CEO Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D. ?We are delighted to partner with Van Andel Education Institute to identify well-prepared and highly-motivated students at historically black colleges and universities who can make the most of this opportunity to launch careers, serve the public, and build a diverse pipeline of young American scientists.
?We look forward to this and other possible opportunities to partner with UNCF,? said Van Andel Institute Chairman and CEO David Van Andel. ?This initiative not only provides opportunities to students in the near term, but it may also have a long-term impact on the development of the next generation of scientists.?
The VAI Summer Internship Program is a paid internship program that provides undergraduate college students opportunities to be mentored by professionals in their chosen research field, to become familiar with the use of state-of-the-art scientific equipment and technology, and to learn valuable presentation skills. The goal of this program is to expose aspiring researchers and clinicians to exciting advances in biomedical sciences that will help define their career paths. These paid internships will initially be supported by funding from VAEI with plans to find external donors to sponsor the initiative on a continuing basis.
The Van Andel Institute Graduate School (VAIGS) is a unique Ph.D. program in cellular, molecular, and genetic biology of human disease. The innovative problem-based curriculum leads students to a strong foundation in core concepts and experimental design by simulating how scientists approach new research questions. Rotations in several laboratories expose students to different areas of research in preparation for choosing their dissertation projects. All students admitted to VAIGS are supported by full five-year fellowships, including tuition waiver, stipend, health and life insurance, conference travel, and a computer.
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