Local budding biologists explore the past, present and future during GSK Science in the Summer™ in partnership with the Franklin Institute
- Free summer STEM enrichment program allows students to take on the role of biologists
- Lottery for registration opens May 9, 2022
Philadelphia – GSK Science in the Summer™, a free summer STEM program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing opportunities for children to embody science careers, think scientifically, practice authentic science techniques and have fun, returns this summer with a new theme: Be a Biologist!
The 2022 curriculum invites elementary school-aged children to play the role of biologists and tackle challenges in fisheries, plant biology, paleobiology and wildlife biology through hands-on activities and experiments. Students will explore the world of living things as they tackle real-world problems—such as solving a mystery at a troubled fishery, uncovering ancient fossils, planning the perfect plant habitats and lending a hand to threatened hummingbirds.
Families in the five-county Greater Philadelphia area can enter the lottery to register for the program beginning at 12:00 PM on May 9, 2022, at www.scienceinthesummer.fi.edu/phila and ending at 5:00 PM on June 3, 2022.
This summer, 6,000 children in the Greater Philadelphia area will join thousands more GSK Science in the Summer™ students nationwide as they learn the importance of biology through fun, hands-on, age-appropriate experiments at local libraries and community-based organizations.
Provided by GSK in partnership with The Franklin Institute, this fun, 100% free STEM enrichment program helps prevent the summer slide and keeps students engaged with learning through hands-on activities that will help ignite a lifelong passion for science. This year, the program is expected to reach more than 30,000 students at 40 host organizations across the country*.
“Scientists are encountering problems today that we never thought we would face, which is why it is critical to foster interest in science as early as possible,” said Maya Martinez-Davis, President, US Pharmaceuticals at GSK. “GSK Science in the Summer™ provides students in the communities where we live and work, firsthand scientific experience putting them on the path to becoming our next generation of leaders.”
GSK Science in the Summer™ was created more than 35 years ago in Philadelphia as part of GSK’s commitment to supporting diverse and equitable participation in STEM education and careers. Each year, it has continued to grow and improve to remain fresh, engaging and relevant for children across the country.
“Science in the Summer™ is uniquely impactful in that it takes what students are learning in the classroom and brings it to life, creating a cohesive learning experience that ties everything together and resonates,” said Dr. Darryl Williams, Chemical Engineer and Senior Vice President of Science and Education at The Franklin Institute. “Science is at the forefront now more than ever, and ensuring that underserved and traditionally underrepresented youth across the country have opportunities to see themselves as biologists, engineers, chemists, or doctors will help create a more diverse STEM workforce.”
The Franklin Institute
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in science and technology learning and a dynamic center of activity. As Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.
GSK
GSK is a science-led global healthcare company. For further information, please visit https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/.
Media Contact:
Stefanie Santo, The Franklin Institute 215.448.1152, ssanto@fi.edu
Sydney Dodson-Nease, GSK, 215.370.4680, Sydney.a.dodson-nease@gsk.com
*In 2022, the network will reach approximately 17,000 children at 30 sites across the country, in addition to 11,000 children in the program’s two flagship locations (6,000 children in the Greater Philadelphia area and 3,725 children in 10 counties across North Carolina, in partnership with UNC Morehead Planetarium and Science Center).
