The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $91.1 million to 58 universities around the country to boost undergraduate biology programs.

The four-year grants, ranging from $1.2 million to $2.2 million, went to research and doctoral universities in 32 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The money will be used for undergraduate research projects, updating science courses and laboratory equipment, and hiring faculty and boosting science outreach programs at local schools and community colleges.

The Chevy Chase, Md.-based Hughes institute has given $425 million to 224 schools in eight rounds of grants since 1988. This is the fourth round of grants designated for research and doctoral universities. Other rounds have given money to science programs in liberal arts schools, including historically black colleges and women's colleges.

The institute employs 330 biomedical researchers at 72 medical centers and universities around the country.