The North Carolina Community College System BioNetwork and Biogen Idec announced the creation of a scholarship program for students interested in obtaining an Associate's Degree in the Biotechnology field.
The Biogen Idec Scholarship has been created to assist students interested in obtaining an Associate's Degree that will help them join the ranks of the biopharmaceutical industry or go on to pursue a related four-year degree. Biogen Idec has donated $25,000 to the NC Community College System to help students with limited financial resources who demonstrate a commitment to the life sciences industry pursue a two-year degree.
Matthew Meyer, Director of the NCCCS BioNetwork expressed his delight at the donation made by Biogen Idec.
"In such a tight economic environment as we are currently experiencing, this scholarship will be a god-send to some of our brightest students that may not be able to attend college otherwise," Meyer said.
Dr. Esther Alegria, Biogen Idec's vice president for manufacturing and general manager of the company's RTP site shared the company's appreciation for its long-standing partnership with the NCCCS.
"North Carolina's robust, industry-responsive community college system is one of the contributing factors that drew us to the state in the mid-90s," Alegria said.
" We — along with our industry peers — have experienced the benefits ever since. Whether it's providing scholarship funding or curriculum development assistance, Biogen Idec looks forward to continuing our partnership with our state's outstanding community colleges."
Students who are interested in applying for the scholarship should visit www.bionetwork.org.