Now in its 30th year, the Amgen Foundation’s Amgen Biotech Experience education program is expanding into Tampa, Fla., where it opened a $25 million capability center in late 2018.

The program offers three weeks of teacher development through lab and class initiatives, the Thousand Oaks pharmaceutical research giant said in a news release April 17. It also provides materials and equipment to classrooms to help students experience a research environment and learn scientific principles.

It has donated more than $25 million to the program cumulatively and $150 million toward science, technology, engineering and math education programs. The University of South Florida will serve as the program site in the Tampa area in partnership with six local high schools, the company said.

“Our goal is to ignite their interest in science and career possibilities,” said Gwen Cummings, site lead at the new Tampa facility. “Amgen is new to Tampa and the Amgen Foundation’s investment in the University of South Florida and Hillsborough County Public Schools is one way we are demonstrating our commitment to this vibrant community.”

Shares for Amgen had fallen more than 2.5 percent in midday trading to around $177.79 as of noon April 18, having dropped 7.5 percent over the prior week.

— Contact Marissa Nall at mnall@pacbiztimes.com