College gets $20-million Gates Foundation grant

Claremont McKenna College has received a $20-million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to fund about 13 full scholarships a year for students who double major in a science and a non-science to tackle societal issues, officials announced Tuesday. Using the Interdisciplinary Science Scholarships, students could combine, for example, biology and economics for a concentration in healthcare policy.

Pamela Gann, president of the liberal arts college, said the scholarships’ goal is to train future leaders in government, business or nonprofits who need some scientific literacy “to make a difference in the world.”

The program is to start with students entering in fall 2008 and funding is expected to last about 15 years. Selection will be based on academic and leadership record, along with financial need.