Amgen Inc. on Thursday announced its foundation will expand the Amgen Biotech Experience program to nine new markets worldwide. The Thousand Oaks biotech company’s Amgen Foundation launched the program about 30 years ago, to help high school science teachers implement real-world biotechnology labs in their classrooms. The program consists of three-week, in-class workshops. The program provides educators with teaching materials and research-grade equipment to help implement lesson plans that teach students scientific concepts in medicine development. An additional $10.5 million will be invested to expand the program to Australia, Canada, Europe and Asia. The company said it plans to reach 900,000 high school students through the program by 2020. “For many years, we have observed how the Amgen Biotech Experience brings science to life for students and teachers. We’re excited to build on the program’s proven success and bring hands-on science education to even more students, educators and communities,” Sean E. Harper, vice president of research and development at Amgen, said in a statement. “Inspiring scientific curiosity in students is key to strengthening the science talent pipeline.” Shares of Amgen (AMGN) closed Thursday up 95 cents or less than 1 percent to $169.95 on the Nasdaq.
