Since 1988, HHMI's Undergraduate Biological Sciences Education Program has awarded more than $425 million to colleges and universities across the United States. The grants, the largest of their kind in U.S. history, have had a significant impact on how biology and related disciplines are taught at the college level. The following graphs summarize the impact of HHMI's program prior to the grants awarded in September 1998.

Student Research and Broadening Access to Science. Funds support student laboratory research during the summer and/or the academic year. Students have had opportunities to present their research at scientific meetings and, as appropriate, prepare their findings for publication. Other program activities have included pre-freshman bridging initiatives to prepare students for laboratory research. To search for research opportunities available to students, click here.

Faculty Development. Funds to science departments help current faculty members broaden their scientific expertise and explore new approaches to undergraduate science education. In addition, more than 250 new faculty members (47% women, 12% minorities) have been appointed in a range of fields.

Curriculum, Equipment, and Laboratory Development. Funds have been used to strengthen under-graduate classroom and laboratory instruction by creating or enhancing 5,600 science courses. Funds have also supported the development of technology-based information and communication resources, equipment acquisition, and laboratory renovations.

Precollege and Outreach Programs. Science departments link with elementary and secondary schools and community colleges to enrich science learning and teaching. Activities have included laboratory experiences, summer science camps, classroom training, enhancement of teaching materials, and development of science education and information software. To search for research opportunities available to students and teachers, visit www.hhmi.org/grants/undergraduate/opportunities.