FAIRFAX, VA- June 26, 2007.-The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) announced awards of scholarships and fellowships to 36 student recipients of the UNCF/Merck Science Initiative award, during UNCF/Merck Fellows Day. The UNCF/Merck Science Initiative program provides more than $13 million in scholarship grants over five years and targets students pursuing careers in scientific research at the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels. The program is supported through the Merck Institute for Science Education and Merck Research Laboratories.

"Merck's continued support for this initiative makes it a national leader in an area of critical importance to the nation's education system and the economy," said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. "These students will be the research scientists, professors and teachers of tomorrow. We are grateful to Merck for its leadership, and for investing in the future of science and education."

The newest Fellows announced today will receive awards ranging from $25,000 to $85,000 each. Award recipients were selected from a nationwide, competitive pool of applicants. They were chosen for their academic achievements and potential in the field of biomedical research. In conjunction with the award celebration, Fellows from 1996 to 2006 were invited to attend the event and participate in scientific presentations, discussions, networking, and other reunion events.

"We need all the available talent to ensure that the very best minds are engaged and working toward scientific advances that can make a real difference in the lives of patients worldwide," said Richard T. Clark, chairman, president and CEO, Merck & Co., Inc. "Merck is honored to work with UNCF on this ongoing partnership that supports the expansion of African Americans into scientific professions."

The UNCF/ Merck Science Initiative’s scholarships, fellowships, internships and institutional support are aimed at three strategic stages of a student’s career: undergraduate students entering their final matriculation year, graduate students in their final two-to-three years of dissertation research and postdoctoral fellows continuing their training at academic or non-academic research institutions. At each level, the competition is open to African American students at all four-year colleges and universities in the United States.

The awards include scholarships or fellowships to the Fellows and funding awarded to their respective science departments. Undergraduate Fellows receive summer research internships at Merck Research Laboratories. In addition, each Fellow is paired with a mentor who provides valuable research assistance, guidance and support. The annual Fellows Day celebration marks 12 years of the UNCF and Merck & Co., Inc. partnership in administering the Science Initiative program.

About UNCF

As the nation’s oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization, the United Negro College Fund’s mission is to provide financial support to its 39 member institutions and increase minority degree attainment by reducing financial barriers to college. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding more than 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 300 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country.

About Merck

Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. The company is widely recognized for its extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them to the people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service - Merck also publishes unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

About Merck Institute for Science Education

The Merck Institute for Science Education (MISE) is a non-profit organization established by Merck & Co., Inc. in 1993 to improve science education in public schools. Now expanded to include college and graduate-level education, MISE works to build capacity in the biomedical sciences through partnerships with education institutions.

2007 UNCF/MERCK SCIENCE INITIATIVE FELLOWS

I. Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship Awards (up to $25,000 each)

Awardees

United Negro College Fund

United Negro College Fund

UNCF -- the United Negro College Fund -- is the nation's oldest and most successful minority education assistance organization. Its mission is to increase minority degree attainment by providing financial support to its 39 member institutions, reducing financial barriers to college and serving as a national advocate for minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. UNCF's recently redesigned logo and brand identity feature UNCF's torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."(R) Learn more at www.UNCF.org.

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