Enriching Education: GSK Science in the Summer™

According to a recent article by Oxford Learning, students lose 2-3 months of reading skills over the summer on average. “A majority of students (56 percent) want to be involved in a summer program that “helps kids keep up with schoolwork or prepare for the next grade,”” said Ruth Peters Ph.D. With summer almost in full swing, there is a program dedicated to STEM education among children that will help keep their brain active all summer long, called GSK Science in the Summer.

GSK Science in the Summer™, a free STEM program for children in underserved communities across the country. This year’s summer enrichment program “The Science of Me”, sponsored by global healthcare company GSK and administered by one of the nation’s premier centers of science education, The Franklin Institute, engages children in science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on learning and exploration. Overall, this program will aid 26,000 students nationwide during the summer months.

GSK Science in the Summer™ was created by GSK scientist Dr. Virginia Cunningham to encourage young girls and minority students to pursue careers in STEM. Learn more about the program and find an enrollment site near you at ScienceInTheSummer.com.

I had a chance to interview Jayatri Das, Chief Bioscientist, The Franklin Institute to learn more.

Why is it so important to continue learning in the summer?
It’s critical to keep learning in the summer time to minimize a learning slump, where students forget some of the content they learned during the academic year and get “rusty,” so to speak. This is especially detrimental for children who are already behind in their studies or don’t have access to summer learning resources. GSK Science in the Summer™ works to bridge this academic gap with fun, high quality—and, importantly, FREE—summer programming across the country. It’s a step towards leveling the playing field in science education and offering every kid the chance to thrive in STEM fields.

Why is it still necessary to encourage young girls and students of color in STEM pursuits?Science and technology influence so many aspects of our lives, but the people who are at the table shape the pathways of discovery, research, and innovation. Cultivating diversity brings forth different perspectives, untapped talent, and more creative solutions. Women and people of color are still underrepresented in STEM careers and academic disciplines, and it is essential that we offer every child the opportunity to participate and succeed when it comes to STEM. GSK Science in the Summer™ has been at the forefront of encouraging more girls and students of color to pursue STEM for more than three decades now – the program was actually founded by a female GSK scientist for that express purpose.

Besides GSK Science in the Summer™, how can parents encourage STEM development in their kids?Families and communities are fundamental partners along with schools in a child’s education, and all of us can help foster a love of science learning in kids. Believe in your child’s ability to succeed—encourage your child to ask questions, explore STEM topics, and seek out opportunities like GSK Science in the Summer. Above all, be curious yourself! Kids are extraordinarily perceptive to the attitudes and actions of the role models in their lives. Get started in your own kitchen with these activities from The Franklin Institute! https://www.fi.edu/kitchen-science-resources



GSK – a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. 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.