Summer Will Be Out of This World for Elementary School Students with GSK Science in the Summer™ and the Science of Space

Issued: Philadelphia, Pa

Free STEM program returns to libraries and community centers across the country

More than 25,000 elementary school-aged students around the country are looking forward to a summer of fun learning about the sun, moon, and stars thanks to GSK and Science in the Summer™. GSK, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, is pleased to announce that GSK Science in the Summer™, the free, interactive STEM enrichment program for students from second through sixth grades, will return to 27 cities in the U.S. with the Science of Space. Registration is limited and will begin online at www.scienceinthesummer.com this spring.  The program is administered by The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

“The study of space has fascinated people for thousands of years, and every day, science gives us new knowledge about the planets beyond ours,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, Manager of Community Partnerships at GSK. “By bringing the Science of Space to elementary school children, we’re showing them at an early age that, through knowledge, education and hard work, these worlds are attainable – all while inspiring them to the pursue the STEM skills that will prepare them for successful academic and professional lives as they get older.”

For more than 30 years, global healthcare company GSK has partnered with non-profits and community groups around the country to bring STEM education to underserved elementary school students. GSK Science in the Summer™ introduces children to STEM learning at a young age in an engaging way that gets them excited about science in school now and as a career choice later.Byengaging students early on in STEM, GSK Science in the Summer™ fosters the next generation of scientists and innovators, and helps students build the skills they need for lifelong academic and professional success – all while preventing summer slide. The program has brought fun, hands-on science to more than 270,000 students nationwide.

“Employment in STEM occupations has grown much faster than employment in non-STEM occupations over the past decade, and STEM workers command higher wages,” said Dr. Karen Elinich, Director of Science Content & Leaning Technologies for The Franklin Institute. “These trends are projected to continue for the foreseeable future, creating enormous opportunities for today’s school-aged children. Engaging students early on in STEM is how we foster the next generation of scientists and innovators, and how we prepare students for lifelong success. We are proud to partner with GSK to make STEM learning accessible and enjoyable for students in the Philadelphia region and beyond.”

Class dates, locations and times will be available at www.scienceinthesummer.com for the following cities:

  • Bangor, ME
  • Berkeley CA
  • Bridgeport, CT
  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Frisco, TX
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Fort Wayne, IN
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Lancaster, PA
  • Las Cruces, NM
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Missoula, MT
  • Montgomery County, MD
  • Murfreesboro, TN
  • Nashville, TN
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Pittsfield, MA
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Schenectady, NY
  • Shreveport, LA
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Wichita, KS

GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.  For more company information, go to us.gsk.com and follow us on twitter.com/GSKUS.

For more information on GSK’s global STEM education program, visit gskscienceeducation.com.

Media Contact

Megan Kelly
Harris Baio & McCullough
484-347-0224
megan@hbmadv.com

Marti Skold Jordan
GSK
Manager US Community Partnerships
919-328-0507

Stefanie Santo
The Franklin Institute
215-448-1152