Minds Matter and PhRMA are pleased to announce The Kenneth C. Frazier PhRMA Scholars Program, in honor of retiring PhRMA board member and visionary industry leader Ken Frazier. This program will provide college scholarships to academically high achieving, low-income students in Washington, D.C. and in Ken’s hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Frazier, currently executive chairman of Merck & Co, Inc., has served on the PhRMA board since 2011.

“Whether pursuing treatments for diseases like West Nile virus and COVID-19 or speaking out against injustice, Ken has always been a believer in using his platform in the biopharmaceutical industry to change lives,” said Stephen J. Ubl, president and chief executive officer of PhRMA. “This scholarship continues that legacy, helping students in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. pursue a college education and their dreams for a bright future.”

The Kenneth C. Frazier PhRMA Scholars Program will support the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. chapters of Minds Matter. Minds Matter, a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization, connects ambitious and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. On average, Minds Matter students get 85% of their tuition needs met through federal and local grants, school aid, scholarships, and loans. However, the remaining 15% of tuition represents a significant barrier to accessing and affording a post-secondary education.

The scholarship program seeks to fill this gap and reduce barriers to ensure these exceptional students from our communities are able to benefit from all the opportunities a college education offers. PhRMA will provide needs-based scholarships to Minds Matter students each year to help fill the gap between the aid they receive and the total cost of school. Students who are selected will exemplify Ken’s determination, love of learning, and work ethic. In total, PhRMA has committed $50,000 each year to Minds Matter to fund this scholarship program in both cities and to the organization to support their work to tutor and mentor students through the college application process.

To learn more about the Kenneth C. Frazier PhRMA Scholars Program go to https://phrma.org/resource-center/Topics/Innovation/2021-PhRMA-Scholars. For more information about Minds Matter, go to https://www.mindsmatterdc.org.