GSK Science in the Summer launches "Be a Space Scientist!" programme for 2024

GSK Science in the Summer, a free STEM programme for students in grades 2 through 6, is back for its 38th year with a new theme: "Be a Space Scientist!" 

Supported by GSK and led by The Franklin Institute (TFI), the programme aims to reach 23,400 students nationwide in the US across 290 organisations. It also provides training and resources to approximately 500 educators to deliver high-quality STEM experiences.

Maya Martinez-Davis, President, US Pharmaceuticals at GSK, said:

"Today's scientists are at the forefront of solving the world's biggest challenges, which makes early exposure and equitable access to science-based education critically important.

"In the communities where we live and work, GSK Science in the Summer provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore various career paths, get inspired, and ultimately help create a more diverse STEM workforce."

An estimated 7,000 students in the Greater Philadelphia region will participate in the programme at over 160 locations. This effort is made possible through partnerships with 40 youth-serving organisations, including Boys & Girls Clubs, Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, Free Library of Philadelphia, Project HOME, Sunrise of Philadelphia, Inc., and Girls Inc. 

These organisations are dedicated to offering high-quality programming to children from under-represented groups in STEM careers or under-resourced communities. The programme will culminate in a field trip to the new Wondrous Space exhibit at The Franklin Institute.

The GSK Science in the Summer programme is designed to be hands-on, allowing students to step into the roles of real scientists and engineers. The 2024 theme, "Be a Space Scientist!", will engage students in activities that explore space exploration and travel. Participants will investigate career paths like Astrobiologist and Spacesuit Designer, and develop their scientific thinking skills through interactive activities.

Students will tackle challenges related to space exploration, such as observing and testing hypotheses, exploring how living beings might travel or live in space, building tools and machines for space exploration, and comparing observations made in space to those on Earth. The practical approach aims to ignite a passion for science and demonstrate the relevance of STEM careers.

GSK Science in the Summer™ was established in Philadelphia over 37 years ago, reflecting GSK's commitment to diverse and equitable STEM education. Since its inception, the programme has reached more than 380,000 children across the United States.

Dr. Darryl Williams, Senior Vice President of Science and Education at The Franklin Institute, highlighted the programme's impact: 

"The goal of GSK Science in the Summer is to increase interest and confidence among students in doing science and pursuing STEM careers, especially students from backgrounds currently under-represented in STEM fields.

"The Franklin Institute recognises that one of the most effective ways to create a future with a diverse STEM workforce is to offer young students opportunities to envision themselves as astronauts, engineers, or chemists, and year after year, this programme excels at doing that."