Celebrating 40 Years of GSK Science in the Summer with New Theme 'Be A Chemist!'
The GSK Science in the Summer™ program, a collaborative STEM initiative led by The Franklin Institute and supported by GSK, proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. With a rich history of providing hands-on science education, this milestone introduces an exciting new theme titled 'Be A Chemist!' that aims to inspire young learners to explore various branches of chemistry.
This robust program, which has successfully engaged over 400,000 children since its inception in Philadelphia, is set to expand its reach this year, launching internationally in the UK through a partnership with OnSide. The initiative underscores GSK's commitment to fostering science education and accessibility in diverse communities, encouraging students from grades 2 to 6 to step into the role of chemists through engaging, practical experiences.
Under the 'Be A Chemist!' theme, participants will delve into essential topics in chemistry, which will include opportunities to investigate cosmetics, forensics, materials, medicinal chemistry, and water chemistry. Young scholars will engage in hands-on experiments where they tackle real-world challenges faced by chemists. Activities will encompass testing pH levels to ensure skin safety, analyzing inks with chromatography techniques, comparing the characteristics of slime with other materials, discovering chemistry behind common remedies for stomach issues, and examining samples to understand the importance of clean waterways.
Darryl Williams, Ph.D., the Senior Vice President of Science, Education, and HR at The Franklin Institute, emphasized the importance of early exposure to STEM. He stated, “For 40 years, GSK Science in the Summer™ has provided young people with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to engage with real scientific disciplines in ways that build both skills and confidence.” This approach has been instrumental in fostering interest among youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Over the years, the program has consistently offered engaging activities that invite children to explore science while fostering their curiosity and self-confidence. Families interested in the GSK Science in the Summer™ programs can explore local offerings at libraries and community organizations throughout the summer via the program's website, scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.
In anticipation of a fruitful year, the program aims to engage approximately 20,800 students through 350 organizations nationwide. The Philadelphia area alone expects to have about 5,000 students participating at numerous locations, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Free Library of Philadelphia. The culmination of the summer activities will be a free field trip to The Franklin Institute, further enriching the students' learning experiences.
The inaugural international expansion to the UK reflects an exciting new chapter in the GSK Science in the Summer™ story, bringing hands-on STEM learning to even more young people. This collaboration with OnSide aims not only to introduce the 'Be A Chemist!' programming in newly formed GSK STEM Holiday Clubs but also to ensure long-term access to quality STEM education.
GSK's Becki Lynch, Head of Charitable Investments, noted, “GSK Science in the Summer makes STEM exciting, giving students hands-on experience and career inspiration.” By marking 40 years of impactful community programming, the organization demonstrates a profound commitment to educational equity, ensuring that budding scientists from all backgrounds have a pathway to explore their interests in STEM fields.
The Franklin Institute, Pennsylvania's most visited museum, is recognized as a premier institution for science education and engagement. By providing free, ready-to-use STEM curricula online, it continues to serve communities, further enhancing the accessibility of science education nationwide. For more information, you can visit www.fi.edu for resources and updates about GSK Science in the Summer™.
GSK itself is a leading global biopharma company committed to advancing healthcare through science, technology, and hope. For more about GSK's endeavors, visit www.gsk.com.
Through innovative educational programs and collaborations, the GSK Science in the Summer™ stands as a testament to the significant impact that hands-on science education can have in inspiring the next generation of scientists.
This robust program, which has successfully engaged over 400,000 children since its inception in Philadelphia, is set to expand its reach this year, launching internationally in the UK through a partnership with OnSide. The initiative underscores GSK's commitment to fostering science education and accessibility in diverse communities, encouraging students from grades 2 to 6 to step into the role of chemists through engaging, practical experiences.
Under the 'Be A Chemist!' theme, participants will delve into essential topics in chemistry, which will include opportunities to investigate cosmetics, forensics, materials, medicinal chemistry, and water chemistry. Young scholars will engage in hands-on experiments where they tackle real-world challenges faced by chemists. Activities will encompass testing pH levels to ensure skin safety, analyzing inks with chromatography techniques, comparing the characteristics of slime with other materials, discovering chemistry behind common remedies for stomach issues, and examining samples to understand the importance of clean waterways.
Darryl Williams, Ph.D., the Senior Vice President of Science, Education, and HR at The Franklin Institute, emphasized the importance of early exposure to STEM. He stated, “For 40 years, GSK Science in the Summer™ has provided young people with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to engage with real scientific disciplines in ways that build both skills and confidence.” This approach has been instrumental in fostering interest among youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Over the years, the program has consistently offered engaging activities that invite children to explore science while fostering their curiosity and self-confidence. Families interested in the GSK Science in the Summer™ programs can explore local offerings at libraries and community organizations throughout the summer via the program's website, scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.
In anticipation of a fruitful year, the program aims to engage approximately 20,800 students through 350 organizations nationwide. The Philadelphia area alone expects to have about 5,000 students participating at numerous locations, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Free Library of Philadelphia. The culmination of the summer activities will be a free field trip to The Franklin Institute, further enriching the students' learning experiences.
The inaugural international expansion to the UK reflects an exciting new chapter in the GSK Science in the Summer™ story, bringing hands-on STEM learning to even more young people. This collaboration with OnSide aims not only to introduce the 'Be A Chemist!' programming in newly formed GSK STEM Holiday Clubs but also to ensure long-term access to quality STEM education.
GSK's Becki Lynch, Head of Charitable Investments, noted, “GSK Science in the Summer makes STEM exciting, giving students hands-on experience and career inspiration.” By marking 40 years of impactful community programming, the organization demonstrates a profound commitment to educational equity, ensuring that budding scientists from all backgrounds have a pathway to explore their interests in STEM fields.
The Franklin Institute, Pennsylvania's most visited museum, is recognized as a premier institution for science education and engagement. By providing free, ready-to-use STEM curricula online, it continues to serve communities, further enhancing the accessibility of science education nationwide. For more information, you can visit www.fi.edu for resources and updates about GSK Science in the Summer™.
GSK itself is a leading global biopharma company committed to advancing healthcare through science, technology, and hope. For more about GSK's endeavors, visit www.gsk.com.
Through innovative educational programs and collaborations, the GSK Science in the Summer™ stands as a testament to the significant impact that hands-on science education can have in inspiring the next generation of scientists.
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