In 2023 and 2024 we are proud to continue to support the following programs with GSK STEM Equity Grants
Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem and Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective (PSEC) Backbone
The Philadelphia Education Fund provides backbone support to the Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective (PSEC) in its mission to increase the number of Black, Latinx and women Philadelphians entering STEM careers by 2030. PSEC operates through active workgroups focused on home and community, K-12 education, post-secondary education and the work environment. PSEC also collaborates with out-of-school-time providers, institutions of higher education, employers, local government and the philanthropic community. PSEC is dedicated to bridging gaps and maximizing opportunities for those underrepresented in STEM fields.
Photo credit: Philadelphia Education Fund
STEM Materials Program
The Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective (PSEC) will collaborate with the School District of Philadelphia by Identifying 20 high opportunity schools in the School District of Philadelphia to furnish with STEM classroom materials. These materials will include science equipment such as microscopes, thermometers and hot plates, as well as fabrication tools, raw materials, and technology resources.
Photo credit: The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia
Summer Institute, STEM Equity Program
The summer program introduces students to college level STEM. In collaboration with the Wistar Institute, students attend lectures twice a week and engage in a Wistar Laboratory session once a week, following a curriculum aligned with first year coursework for biology and chemistry majors.
Photo credit: Heights Philadelphia
FirstHand Program
FirstHand is University City Science Center's free STEM program aimed at reaching middle and high school students. In 2024, FirstHand's high school program will offer students the opportunity to visit a dedicated FirstHand Lab for 2 hours per week during the academic year. FirstHand also introduces students to the Sprint model program, which consist of a series of free, industry sector-focused programs aimed at providing students with hands-on experiences all while being mentored by industry professionals.
Photo credit: University City Science Center
Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) III Program
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) III program will provide ongoing support for WINS alumnae during all four years of college. WINS III will extend the program’s data-driven mentorship and support to program graduates as they navigate college, with the goal of improving their educational experience, increasing their persistence and resilience in a new environment, and better equipping them to pursue STEM careers upon graduation. Students are also provided with stipends while participating in the program.
Photo credit: Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
An Accelerated Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program
The Wistar, Accelerated Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) apprenticeship program training curriculum teaches technical skills to students applied to real world research problems. Students from underrepresented communities could earn certifications and enter the life science workforce upon completion of the program.
Photo credit: Wistar Institute of Anatomy & Biology
STEM Internship Summer Program
The College of Physicians STEM Internship Program begins with an intensive 4-week summer program tailored towards Philadelphia high school students who have been impacted by community violence Through a variety of educational programs, interns explore the impact of violence upon themselves and their communities while improving their understanding of STEM and STEM majors. Students are also provided with stipends while participating in the program.
Photo credit: College of Physicians of Philadelphia
STEM Hope Pathways Program
The STEM Hope Pathways Summer Camp will expose 10th through 12th grade Latinx and minority youth in Philadelphia to STEM activities, including basic scientific research skills and principles. Sessions will progressively build upon skills, concepts and vocabulary. Students will work collaboratively to build relationships and present what they have learned. Students participating in the program will also have the opportunity to enroll in and receive credit in college-level courses in the health sciences while still in high school.
Photo credit: Nueva Esperanza
Science Program and Research Coach (SPARC) Program
Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR) introduces the Science Program and Research Coach (SPARC) program to address disparities within the biomedical field and industry among students in grades K-5. SPARC offers mobile, complimentary biomedical science education program that is interactive and career-infused learning. Through SPARC, students will continue to be introduced to real-world concepts and receive career guidance within the life science field, by providing hands-on science instruction and increased awareness of STEM careers.
Photo credit: Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research
Project BioEYES Program
Project BioEYES is a week-long, hands-on science project that brings live zebrafish into the classroom. Students participate in mating the fish and then raise the resulting embryos until they hatch as clear, free-swimming larvae with observable beating hearts, all under provided microscopes. The program is offered to students in 2nd, 4th/5th, 7th/8th and high school, offering a curriculum focusing on cell biology, genetics, and the scientific method.
Photo credit: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
YMWIC Philly Expansion Program
Young Men and Women in Charge (YMWIC) empowers students in grades K-12 through after-school and summer programs, offering leadership development, academic support, college readiness, and career exposure. Initially serving seven communities in the suburbs of Philadelphia, YMWIC has expanded its reach to include two communities within Philadelphia (Furness High School and Martin Luther King High School). YMWIC also collaborates with corporate partners to provide students with job shadowing and internship opportunities, exposing them to various careers in STEM.
Photo credit: YMIC Foundation Inc.
Past GSK STEM Equity Grantees
The Philadelphia Robotics Coalition supports robotics programming for Philadelphia public school students.
The “hands-on, minds-on” STEM challenges that students face in robotics programs assist them in building critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. Their experience working together with a team also helps them to learn essential skills like cooperation and dependability. Providing Philadelphia students with the opportunity to engage in robotics builds important skills and experiences to increase their interest and success in STEM courses and future careers. Learn about the Philadelphia Robotics Coalition.
Full STEAM Ahead Program
The Full STEAM Ahead out-of-school time curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based programming in elementary school, career exposure and skill building in middle school, along with workforce development and career pathways in high school focused on Black and Latinx youth in Philadelphia’s historically disenfranchised communities. This project-based learning model helps youth envision and advance their pathways towards professional STEAM careers. Programming emphasizes a ‘Citizen Scientist’ theme focused on environmental science and urban agriculture.
Youth Pathway to Green Renovation and Retrofit Program
Green Renovation and Retrofit training will be provided for 10 Black and Latinx out-of-school young men and women ages 18-24. ECA developed methods and materials to assist those who need a stronger academic background in reading, math or science. Participants learn what they need for entry-level jobs in deconstruction and demolition, green residential construction and weatherization installs. Those who successfully complete the program receive national credentials and qualify for the Pre-Apprenticeship program under ECA’s Federally Registered Apprenticeship Program for Retrofit Installer Technician.
Career & Academic Development Institute’s Cadi2Code Program
The Cadi2Code program delivers the preparation, support, representation and incentives needed to support more young women of color interested in STEM and coding. OICA believes STEM training, if utilized correctly, can bypass many inherent biases present in other career fields and provide participants with a true, sustainable living wage. Coding was chosen because it is a field with ever increasing job opportunities, can be learned without a college education and requires skills that many young adults are able to grasp and learn.
