Amgen Scholars U.S. Program — Research Program

The Amgen Scholars U.S. Program is an annual, in-person summer research program funded by the Amgen Foundation, with direction and technical assistance from Harvard University. Selected undergraduates conduct hands-on research at one of 14 host institutions in the United States.

Each host runs its own application process and an eight- to 10-week schedule. About 140 U.S. Scholars participate annually, and the cohort joins Canadian Scholars at a July symposium in southern California to present research and learn about science careers and drug development.

Benefits & funding

Financial support is part of the program, but stipend, housing, food, and travel details vary by host institution. The regional page does not publish one common stipend.
Travel to and from the July North America Symposium, plus room and board during the symposium, is covered.
As one host-specific example, Caltech’s 2026 package included a $6,000 stipend, a $610 dining card, campus housing, and travel to and from Pasadena.

Eligibility

The regional program requires applicants to be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents and to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States, Puerto Rico, or another U.S. territory. Caltech separately lists DACA status as an eligible route at that host.
Applicants must be sophomores with at least four quarters or three semesters completed, juniors, or non-graduating seniors who will return to undergraduate study in the fall.
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 and an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or joint M.D.-Ph.D. are required.
Any major may apply, and prior research experience is not required.
Applicants may apply to multiple U.S. hosts but must submit a separate application to each. They may apply in only one Amgen Scholars region and may participate as an Amgen Scholar in only one summer.

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Application process

1
Review the 14 host institutions and choose one or more programs whose research and dates fit the applicant’s goals and schedule.
2
Open each selected host’s application page and follow its requirements; there is no common regional application.
3
Prepare at least an academic transcript, a recommendation letter, and a personal statement or essay, then submit a separate application to each host.
4
Check host-specific additions before submitting. For example, Caltech requires advance agreement from a research mentor, two short essays, two recommendation letters, and an unofficial transcript.

Program timeline

Most recent listed application deadline for all 14 U.S. hosts.
Feb 1, 2026
Host decisions expected.
End of March 2026
Earliest listed 2026 host program began at Howard University.
May 16, 2026
U.S. and Canadian Scholars attended the North America Symposium in southern California.
July 2026
Latest listed 2026 host program ended at UCLA.
Aug 27, 2026
Caltech’s 2027 application opens; other hosts publish their own opening dates.
Nov 1, 2026