HHMI Science Program

With the support of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Colby has established new programs focused on improving the experience of students from groups that are underrepresented in the sciences.

A new summer program will offer both classroom instruction and research opportunities for 10 students for six weeks prior to their first year at Colby. Students from African American, Native American, and Hispanic backgrounds are eligible, as are first-generation college students.

A new research scholars program provides these students the opportunity to work directly with a faculty member on research projects as early as their first year. Students are immersed in research in professors' laboratories and participate in meetings, events, presentations, and often coauthor scientific papers.

In addition to these programs, the grant from HHMI will allow Colby to reach out to students and teachers in local elementary school classes, to develop new curriculum and laboratories, and will support faculty training and development.