CECP (Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose) is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible purpose-driven business. At the CECP Summit 2026 in May, they awarded Amgen the Goldies Award for Corporate Social Investment in recognition of the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE)! Scott Heimlich, president of the Amgen Foundation and executive director of Philanthropy for Amgen, accepted the award on behalf of Amgen.
ABE began in 1989, developed by high school teacher Hugh Nelson, Amgen scientist Bruce Wallace, and Professor Marty Ikkanda. Amgen agreed to provide equipment and chemicals to teach the lab procedures in area high schools. In 2005, the Amgen Foundation, the main philanthropic arm of Amgen, partnered with Professor Ikkanda to expand training outside of Southern California. Since then, the program has expanded to new Amgen communities in the United States and across the globe.
Funded by a $75 million commitment from the Amgen Foundation, ABE has reached over 1.1 million students by providing schools with curriculum and resources, research-grade equipment, and professional learning at no cost.
On hand to celebrate the award was ABE Program Office Director Rebecca Lewis. “One of the most powerful ways industry can create lasting impact in communities is by investing in education,” remarks Lewis. “Through ABE, we’re helping connect classroom learning to real-world science and expanding access to meaningful STEM opportunities around the globe.”
Congratulations to Amgen! And thank you for your commitment to hands-on STEM education that inspires, motivates, and teaches our next generation of scientists.