The V Foundation awards 2011 scholars

The V Foundation for Cancer Research announced Monday that 17 physicians and scientists from across the United States have been awarded two-year, $200,000 grants through the 2011 V Scholar program.

The $3.4 million in funding given through the V Scholar program is an integral part of The V Foundation’s grant initiatives that funds young scientists as they begin their career in cancer research.

"Each year, the V Scholars are selected from a group of young cancer scientists that includes the most outstanding candidate from each of the National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers,” Robert C. Bast, Jr., Vice President for Translational Research at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, said in a statement. "This year the V Scholars are even more exceptional than in the past."

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator.

Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $100 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide.

It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs.