The Biogen Foundation announces a $125,000 competitive grants program designed to support science education programs and projects in North Carolina’s public schools.

Entitled “Ignite the Power of STEM,” the grants cycle runs Oct. 1 through Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. for North Carolina public elementary, middle and high schools. The online grants process will be administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF). Applications are available at www.biogen.com/igniteNC and on the NCCF website at nccommunityfoundation.org under the Grants and Scholarships tab/Other grants opportunities/Biogen (http://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/biogen/ignitenc).

Grants will be awarded to teachers, schools and nonprofit STEM education programs that serve K-12 students. Teachers may apply for grants up to $2,000. Schools and nonprofits may apply for grant amounts up to $5,000. Programs should be designed to:

• Promote science literacy in innovative ways among students;

• Enable teachers to bring new, exciting hands-on science experiences to their students;

• Encourage equal-access, quality STEM education;

• Inspire students to pursue STEM careers.

Additional and more specific information on application and selection criteria is detailed at www.biogen.com/igniteNC and on NCCF’s website at www.nccommunityfoundation.org.

About the Biogen Foundation:

The Biogen Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives and contribute to the vitality of the communities in which the company operates, with a special emphasis on innovative ways to promote science literacy and encourage young people to consider science careers. Additional information about the Biogen Foundation can be found at www.biogen.com/foundation.

About NCCF:

NCCF is the single statewide community foundation serving North Carolina and has made $101 million in grants since its inception in 1988. With more than $237 million in assets, NCCF sustains 1,200 endowments established to provide long-term support of a broad range of community needs, nonprofit organizations, institutions and scholarships. NCCF partners with 60 affiliate foundations to provide local resource allocation and community assistance in 67 counties across the state, with an emphasis on rural areas.

News media contacts:

Gena Renfrow, NC Administrator, Biogen Foundation

Gena.renfrow@biogen.com; O: 919.993.6023; C: 919.815.5550

Noel McLaughlin, NCCF Director Marketing & Communications, nmclaughlin@nccommunityfoundation.org; 919.256.6901

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