GSK STEM Equity
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers are the fastest-growing jobs in the US and drive innovation. We also know that these careers are not equally accessible to all students and that women and people of color are underrepresented in science and technology careers. Diverse businesses are more successful and more innovative, and GSK is committed to making STEM education more equitable and increasing the number of underrepresented people in STEM careers through our philanthropic investments.
Through our STEM investments, we aim to equitably increase children’s value of and confidence in doing science and pursuing STEM careers. Through our local and national investments, we intentionally focus on diverse and under-served populations and aim to increase students’ access to exciting STEM education that is culturally relevant, connected to real careers and builds science identity. We also collaborate with community organizations to improve pathways for diverse students to succeed in school and pursue STEM careers.
To make STEM equitable, we must work together in earnest to change our systems and institutions. Because it is up to us to clear the path for the next generation of innovators who can help us build a better future."
GSK Science in the Summer™
We want children to discover the wonders of science and consider a career in science one day. That's why we offer GSK Science in the Summer™, a free, inquiry-based science education program that helps students grow to love science. Through classes held in public libraries and other community-based organizations, the program gets kids excited about learning science with hands-on experiments.
In 2024, more than 23,000 students participated in GSK’s Science in the Summer™ program, delivered in collaboration with The Franklin Institute. The program is offered nationally through a network of over 22 informal science institutions across the US. GSK Science in the Summer™ was established in 1986 in Philadelphia, PA.
‘Be a Space Scientist!’ Summer 2024
The 2024 GSK Science in the Summer™ curriculum invited students to investigate the challenges of exploring and traveling in space. The activities encouraged scientific practices like making observations and testing hypotheses and students investigated how living things might travel or live in space. Students also built tools and machines to gather information about faraway objects and compared what they saw in space to things they can study on Earth.
Learn more about our GSK Science in the Summer™ programs and try experiments at home at https://scienceinthesummer.fi.edu/.
Through active, hands-on activities, students learn that science can be exciting and challenging as well as STEM skills that will prepare them for academic and professional success.
Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective
The Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective is a 10-year collaborative effort launched in 2020 to increase the number of Black, Latinx and women Philadelphians entering STEM careers.
GSK is honored to bring together Philadelphia schools, out-of-school time providers, universities and colleges, employers, local government and the philanthropic community using a collective impact approach to identify and close gaps confronting children from backgrounds under-represented in STEM.
GSK provides backbone support for the Collective, funding dedicated staff to drive the initiative at the Philadelphia Education Fund and through the time and talent of skills-based GSK volunteers.
To further our commitment to increase the number of diverse Philadelphia students entering STEM careers by 2030, GSK also supports at least $1 million in grant funds each year to nonprofit organizations working to address inequity in STEM education and career pathways.
Learn more about the Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective
Learn about the programs we are proud to support with GSK STEM Equity Grants.
GSK IMPACT Awards
Whether it’s feeding people who are hungry, fostering mentoring relationships with at-risk youth, or preventing homelessness for families, this year’s nonprofits selected for GSK IMPACT Awards are changing lives. On the front line of their communities, these groups often fill a gap that no one else can.
This is no easy feat given the unprecedented economic and public health challenges generated by the pandemic. It’s now more important than ever to support the groups committed to helping those who need it the most.
GSK IMPACT Awards honor local nonprofits
The GSK IMPACT Awards recognize small- to mid-sized nonprofit organizations in Greater Philadelphia and in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Many have been in their neighborhoods for years; they’ve earned the trust of the residents and fulfilled their promises. These relationships are critical to creating a world where all can thrive.
Ten winners were chosen in each region and awarded $50,000 each for a total charitable investment of $1 million this year. These unrestricted funds enable recipient organizations to focus on their work supporting marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Meet our 2024 winners
The 2024 GSK IMPACT Award winners leverage innovation and pair it with enthusiasm to drive transformational programs that make our communities healthier. Their missions range from enhancing education, providing housing and case management services, igniting mental and emotional awareness and eliminating barriers to employment. These are all important factors to improve health outcomes and equity in the communities where we live and work.
North Carolina
The GSK IMPACT Award winners in the Triangle region are:
Pennsylvania
The GSK IMPACT Award winners in the Greater Philadelphia region are:
2024 GSK IMPACT Awards virtual ceremony
The 2024 GSK IMPACT Awards were presented on November 21. Please select either the Philadelphia or Durham links to view the regional ceremony.
Disaster Relief
GSK provided grants totaling $250,000 to the American Red Cross in 2022 to help with the recovery and relief efforts for families impacted by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian.
These funds were used to provide shelter, essential items, and comfort to those impacted by these storms. As a part of our global partnership with Save the Children (STC), GSK also matches employee donations to support emergency response efforts in the US.
Upcoming Grant Opportunity: Hurricane Helene Recovery and Relief Efforts
We are pleased to announce that an invitation-only Request for Proposals (RFP) will be opening soon. This RFP is designed to support organizations involved in the recovery and relief efforts for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Further details regarding eligibility and the application process will be shared directly with invited participants.
