The University of Florida Health has announced a $4 million gift from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation in support of educational initiatives at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology.

The funding will support expansion of the institute’s graduate fellowship program, its Kenan Fellows High School internships, and its community education and outreach programs. Moreover, the gift will enable the Kenan Fellows High School internship program to become part of the newly named Glenn W. Bailey STEM Education Outreach Programs—a nine-week, full-time experience, where students immerse themselves in real biomedical research under the supervision of a Wertheim UF Scripps Institute scientist. Expansion of the institute’s kindergarten through collegiate programs is intended to offer more opportunities for area teachers to collaborate with researchers and students. In addition, the funding will support two additional Bailey fellows this fall.

“There’s simply nothing that can replicate the real-world experience of conducting experiments, gathering data, and making discoveries guided by an expert mentor,” said Wertheim UF Scripps Institute director of academic affairs Courtney Miller. “This life-changing opportunity provides students with a window into how science benefits society through the process of drug discovery. This gift will enable us to continue to provide this legacy program for years to come.”

(Photo credit: The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology)