Applications are now closed.

GSK Science in the Summer™ is a free summer education program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists by providing children opportunities to think scientifically, embody science careers, and have fun! The goal of GSK Science in the Summer™ is to increase children’s interest and confidence in doing science and pursuing STEM careers, especially for children from backgrounds currently underrepresented in STEM fields. 

Learn more about the informal science education organizations across the country in our national network and explore previous curricula! Check out our 2024 theme Be a Space Scientist! here!

Benefits

Accepted applicants receive the following benefits, including but not limited to:

  • Annual stipend to support program implementation and purchasing of program materials
  • High-quality curriculum, activity guides, and training resources (2024 theme: Be a Space Scientist!)  
  • Professional development for participating staff through a series of training webinars   
  • Increased capacity to provide science programming to underserved audiences and connect with local community organizations  
  • Access to a national network of organizations dedicated to providing equitable STEM experiences in the community   
  • Access to GSK volunteers who can support your program efforts
  • Ongoing technical support from the program team to deliver GSK Science in the Summer

Summarized Program Expectations

  • Identify two to three qualified people from your site who will coordinate, report on deliverables, recruit partner organizations and educators, lead educator trainings, and ensure your site meets all program expectations
  • Coordinate all program logistics, including materials management, recruitment of local community partners, selection and training of qualified educators by May of each program year, tracking attendance, and ongoing communication with TFI
  • Deliver 3 to 5 hours of the curriculum for free to the required number of youth between June and September each year (number of youth will vary depending on program size - 600, 800, or 1,000 youth)
  • Programs should be delivered in-person
  • Programs must be delivered by trained educators, which may include educators from the applying organization or educators from community partners

Who Should Apply?

The Franklin Institute is accepting applications from informal science education organizations (“sites”) such as science museums, science centers, children’s museums, youth-serving organizations, and universities that demonstrate:   

  • A strong commitment to serving audiences with backgrounds currently underrepresented in STEM. 
  • A strong history of outreach programming, community partnerships, and/or whose existing audience aligns with the program goals. 
  • A strong commitment and capacity to meet the program goals and expectations as outlined above.

Questions? Contact us at nationalsis@fi.edu for more information.

Testimonials

"Being a (participant) has opened my eyes to the incredibly deep engagement and reach the Franklin Institute has as informal STEM providers in their own community and nation-wide. Over the last several years of...training, the Franklin Institute has helped me personally grow in my confidence as a science educator." 

2020 national participant

"(This program) model is something every science center/museum would aspire to be like." 

2020 national participant

"All of the programming and training that I have done through The Franklin Institute have been very organized, well planned out, and implemented, and very educational."   

2020 national participant