Lundbeck is Committed to Fostering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

The U.S. economy is expected to add about one million science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs during the next decade and more STEM scholars are needed to fill these roles. Recognizing that STEM education is vital to our future, Lundbeck, a research-based pharmaceutical company in Deerfield, continues to help inspire students to pursue STEM careers.

“We understand first-hand the importance of innovation and what it can mean to patients, so in addition to investing in our own scientific research, we have a responsibility to help inspire the next generation of scientists,” says Peter Anastasiou, president, Lundbeck North America. “Young adults with a passion for STEM can shape the future of healthcare and we want to help set them up for success.”

Lundbeck invests in the future through its ongoing support of Perspectives/IIT Math & Science Academy, an open-enrollment public school on the south side of Chicago that provides academically rigorous classes with a special focus on math and literacy. “Perspectives is a special place because it has an emphasis on STEM and is not only focused on getting students into college, but through college and preparing them to become intellectually reflective, caring and ethical people engaged in a meaningful life,” added Anastasiou. “Lundbeck is honored to support Perspectives because these students are motivated to do great things in STEM fields and they deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams and build a future.”

For the past five years, Lundbeck has supported Perspectives in a variety of ways: by sponsoring the refurbishment of the school’s chemistry and biology labs, offering annual internships, a back-to-school drive, and college scholarships. This year Lundbeck has doubled the Lundbeck US STEM Scholarship and has awarded four promising graduating seniors, including Neriah Alexander, Carah Cole, Austin Leon and Khierra Moore with the award. The recipients all have ambitious dreams of making a difference in the world and powerful motivations behind their career aspirations.

“Unlike the average girl, I didn’t dream of unwrapping Barbie’s dream house. I dreamt of building it. My mind is filled with curiosity and passion for science and college is the next step, but without additional support, I would not be able to attend and brighten my future,” said Carah Cole, who plans to study chemical engineering at the University of Illinois in the fall.

Each year 97 percent of Perspectives graduates are accepted to college and they stay in school at higher rates than the national average. This is particularly significant because Perspectives students don’t have an easy path and come from an underserved community.

“We’re so proud of our students and grateful to Lundbeck for continuing to invest in the future by supporting STEM education and helping create a path for deserving students,” said Brandy Woodard, principal of Perspectives/IIT Math & Science Academy.