Policy. Our policy is to actively promote equal opportunity and pledge to a continuing program of affirmative action. Management has the responsibility to enforce the policy by making thoughtful and equitable efforts to correct imbalances in any areas of our workforce. The policys objectives are to: create a work environment that will attract the best people to our organization and provide them with the opportunity to develop and advance; use effectively all available human resources to meet the Companys need for long-term growth and operating efficiency; provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants from all segments of the population; and ensure Company compliance with federal, state and local laws.

Recruitment. Our overall recruitment strategy is to recruit and retain the broadest pool of diverse talent worldwide. We accomplish this through a strategic staffing planning process, which incorporates long-term relationships with diverse organizations in both professional as well as academic settings.

Training. Many leadership development and training materials offered to Merck employees reflect our commitment to diversity. For example, from senior executives to new employees, interactive programs are used to emphasize the value of diversity in the workplace.

Office of Diversity. Mercks Office of Diversity and Work Environment oversees the Companys integrated approach of including diversity in all business practices. The Office supports division management in creating tailored diversity initiatives that fit business needs and serves as a consultant to our Office of Ethics to resolve any workplace issues involving diversity. The Office oversees compliance with all local, state and federal regulations, and makes available consulting support and resources to maintain a supportive work environment.

UNCF-Merck Science Initiative. Mercks 10-year, $20 million commitment to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) provides scholarships and internships to outstanding students pursuing studies in biomedical research to expand the pool of world-class African American biomedical scientists. Through the UNCF-Merck Science Initiative, students intern in Merck laboratories with Merck scientists as mentors.

Procurement. Merck is committed to diversity among our suppliers. Qualified suppliers are constantly pursued from all segments of the business community, which include minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone and small business concerns. Our procurement group has developed a Supplier Diversity program, where existing and potential suppliers can view the entire program, register online and contact us.

External Organizations. Merck has long supported organizations that help us achieve our diversity objectives, such as: INROADS and The Consortium for Graduate Studies Management, which award internships or scholarships to minority students; the Society of Women Engineers; the American Indian Science and Engineering Society; the National Society of Black Engineers; the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering; the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers; the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers; the National Black MBA Association; the National Society of Hispanic MBAs; and the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association of America.

Internal Organizations. Merck supports the formation of hobby, social, educational, physical activity and special interest groups among its employees as a way of enhancing internal communication, teamwork, personal and professional development and quality of life. More than 40 clubs and networks have been established to date. These include: Black Employee Network; Merck Hispanic Organization; Asia Pacific Network; Gay Lesbian Employee Association @ Merck; Merck Womens Network; and the Merck Mentoring Team.

Merck Institute. Through the Merck Institute for Science Education, we advance science education at the elementary level in schools near our major sites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With a professional staff and the talents of Merck volunteers, the Institute strives to transform teaching and to communicate the excitement and relevance of science to young children when they are most receptive to learning. In this way, we are helping to create a wide, diverse pool of students with access to quality science education.