On Mar. 23, 2020, the Amgen Foundation announced an initial commitment of up to $12.5 million to support U.S. and global relief efforts to address critical needs in communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were used to support emergency response efforts in Amgen’s U.S. and international communities, patient-focused organizations that are mounting their own response efforts, and international relief efforts by Direct Relief and International Medical Corps. The Amgen Foundation also matched donations made by Amgen staff around the globe who wish to contribute their own funds to the relief efforts.

Free online learning programs supported by the Amgen Foundation are also available to help students continue their science education during school closures, including LabXchange™ and Khan Academy’s online learning website.  Developed with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University, LabXchange is a free online science education platform that provides users with access to personalized instruction, virtual lab experiences and networking opportunities across the global scientific community.  Khan Academy has grown its biology offering, with the Amgen Foundation’s support, to more than 300 videos, 80 exercise sets and 195 articles.

The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance excellence in science education to inspire the next generation of innovators and invest in strengthening communities where Amgen staff members live and work. To date, the Foundation has donated over $325 million to local, regional, and international non-profit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. The Amgen Foundation brings the excitement of discovery to the scientists of tomorrow through several signature programs, including Amgen Scholars and the Amgen Biotech Experience.