National Alliance for Hispanic Health to support Hispanic students interested in STEM fields

$4 Million Alliance Program Supports Future Leaders in STEM Fields

Scholarship and Internship Guide Available at www.AllianceScholars.org

"Mr. President, you can count us in. With our community, foundation, and corporate partners the Alliance is proud to be a part of Educate to Innovate," said Adolph P. Falcon, Senior Vice President of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, after attending a White House meeting today where President Obama announced the commitment of companies and nonprofit groups nationwide to encourage students in the STEM fields.

The Alliance announced that it will be expanding its long-standing efforts to inspire and support Hispanic students interested in STEM education and careers. The centerpiece of the Alliance's effort is the Alliance Scholars Fund that this year made over half a million dollars in scholarships and internships available to promising Hispanic students. The Fund includes a $4 million investment from the Merck Company Foundation with additional support from the Health Foundation for the Americas. The Alliance is putting a long-term emphasis on multi-year STEM field mentorship programs, including participation of its member scientists in National Lab Day, announced today as part of the President's Educate to Innovate effort.

To support parents and students, the Alliance also announced the availability of a Ciencia (Science) scholarship and internship guide that provides information on a range of opportunities for high school to graduate students in the STEM fields. In addition, the Alliance Scholars Fund is accepting applications now for the Alliance/Merck Ciencia (Science) Hispanic Scholars program. Both the guide and online scholarship application are available at www.AllianceScholars.org.

According to Mr. Falcon, "The students we are working with today as part of our commitment to STEM education will redefine the frontiers of science. I have no doubt they will be the next generation of Nobel prize winners, lab directors, professors, and health professionals leading scientific discovery that improves our health and well-being."