Charitable Contributions at Genzyme

Genzyme has developed a strategic giving program to support science education and health-related initiatives in communities where Genzyme has a significant business presence. From promoting basic science to raising awareness of the biotechnology industry, Genzyme strongly supports programs that help build excitement and enthusiasm about science education. We are also committed to promoting better understanding of health issues and to increasing the accessibility of health programs.

Genzyme seeks to recognize and invest in the various factors that contribute to success in science. We support science education through program grants, internships, tours of facilities, teacher development programs and career development initiatives for students.

Genzyme is a leader in developing and funding innovative state and national programs in science education. For example, the Genzyme Science Award is a top award given by the Massachusetts State Science Fair to a student who has been selected by the Fair’s five-panel judging system. Created and funded by Genzyme since 1999, this annual award provides $5,000 to the winning student plus a paid internship at one of Genzyme’s facilities in Massachusetts; a $5,000 independent study to the student’s sponsoring teacher; and a $5,000 grant to the student’s school for the purchase of science equipment and supplies.

We are a lead sponsor of BioTeach, an initiative of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation, which seeks to outfit every high school in the state with science equipment and supplies. It also provides teacher training and certification in biotechnology.

Genzyme’s partnership with the MobileLab, a project of the Boston University School of Medicine, was formed shortly after the creation of the 40-foot traveling science laboratory bus. MobileLab’s mission is to increase community access to hands-on laboratory investigations. There are now five such mobile laboratories across the nation, which were built in collaboration with the talented staff at CityLab, using the MobileLab as a model.

In addition to these collaborations, many of Genzyme’s science education efforts are local initiatives that combine funding with hands-on involvement of our employees.

Geel, Belgium: Genzyme employees designed an interactive biotechnology exhibit for the Technopolis science center to help educate visitors on the parts of a cell.

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA: Genzyme funds the Santa Fe Science Initiative, which puts interactive, inquiry-based materials in the hands of teachers, partners them with scientist mentors and builds an infrastructure for investigative learning in cutting-edge science.

Haverhill, England: Employees partnered with three local middle schools to offer tours of the facility for more than 200 students.

Our business focus on developing life-saving therapies carries over into our philanthropic efforts. We actively promote access to health through education and humanitarian initiatives. Genzyme funds innovative health programs that promote access and address unmet needs, particularly for underserved populations.

Genetic Alliance (Washington, DC): Disease Infosearch is an international database of resources for patients and families affected by genetic diseases.

Computer Access Center (Los Angeles, CA): CAC provides assistive technology tools to children with disabilities to help improve their access to education and literacy.

Cambridge College (Cambridge, MA): The Medical Interpreters’ Program develops and matches the linguistic skill and cultural knowledge of immigrants with the needs of healthcare providers to improve the quality of care given to the growing immigrant community. This comprehensive program provides a gateway for immigrants to access meaningful and well-paying jobs in healthcare.

Since 2000, Genzyme has funded the Genzyme Science Scholarship Award in each of our communities throughout the United States. The $1,000 award is given by our local partner high school to a student who has excelled in science and who has been selected via the school’s scholarship and awards criteria process.

Since 1994, Genzyme has awarded the Allston-Brighton Community Biotechnology Scholarship to more than 50 students from the Allston-Brighton community in Boston, Massachusetts – a total of more than $150,000.

Graduating seniors or college students who are residents of Allston-Brighton, MA and who are majoring in a life science field*, may apply for this annual scholarship. For more information on the Allston-Brighton Scholarship and to apply, please refer to the scholarship guidelines (PDF) and the application (PDF). The annual deadline is April 1. Please contact us with any questions

*Life science fields include: biology, chemistry, nursing, pharmacy, health science, biochemical engineering, microbiology, nutrition, physical therapy.