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In 2011, the Astellas USA Foundation created a scholarship program through partnerships with public charities to provide financial assistance to exemplary students of diverse backgrounds who plan to pursue a career in a science related field. These scholarships will be awarded to students that meet the eligibility criteria in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.
The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private Foundation that awards cash grants to support philanthropic initiatives in communities where Astellas has a presence, with emphasis on science education, innovative programs, and youth development.
Galan, the first recipient of this scholarship, is described by leaders in the scientific community as "curious, energetic and positive." She participated in the prestigious Gifted Education Resource Institute at Purdue and Project Exploration in Chicago. Through these programs, she gained experience working on research related to leukemia and Alzheimer's disease, participated in running biochemical experiments and presenting a description of her projects.
Galan's achievements are especially notable given her background. She's been able to maintain a 3.5 grade point average despite a learning disability that makes it challenging to take what she is thinking and get it down onto a written page. Raised by a single mother who speaks only Spanish, she's acted as the family translator from the time she learned to speak and has acted as caregiver to younger siblings and extended family since she was 8 years old. In her future career, Galan hopes to work with children and has expressed interest in becoming a doctor in psychology.
All Astellas USA Foundation scholarship winners will be invited to attend the Astellas USA Foundation Recognition Dinner where their academic achievements will be recognized by Astellas' senior leadership.
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