Students became “Space Scientists” during GSK’s Science in the Summer™ at North Museum in collaboration with the Franklin Institute.

The program, in its 38th year, has reached an estimated 23,400 nationwide!

The North Museum congratulates 902 area students, ranging from Pre-K through grade 12, who completed GSK’s (GlaxoSmithKline’s) Science in the Summer™ program this past summer, presented by the North Museum of Nature & Science. The number of attendees was a new record this year, increasing the impact of this already popular seasonal program. This summer’s theme was “Be a Space Scientist,” and it offered students the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of real scientists and engineers, engaging in exciting hands-on activities that brought the world of space exploration to life. Students discovered different career paths, from Astrobiologist to Spacesuit Designer, and developed their scientific thinking skills in a fun and interactive way.
The program was made possible by a generous grant of $20,000 from GSK, with curriculum developed by the Franklin Institute.
We would also like to thank our outstanding community partners for working with our team on successful outreach and implementation:

  • The Mix at Arbor Place
  • Project Purpose
  • Lebanon County Library
  • Janus School
  • Boys & Girls Club
  • North Museum

A combination of trained educators, made up North Museum staff members and volunteers from our partner organizations, presented 27 programs over the summer.
The North Museum, GSK, and the Franklin Institute are longtime collaborators on the Science in the Summer program, which primarily targets students in grades 2 through 6, with an emphasis on reaching those from underserved communities and lower income households.
Through its success at the museum, Science in the Summer programming was adapted and modified to be inclusive for students in Pre-K and grade 1, as well as those in middle school and high school.

“Thanks to GSK and the Franklin Institute we were able to reach over 900 students this summer,” says Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services. “This free program offers a hands-on look at various STEM careers which many students did not even know existed! Now they might want to pursue those paths in the future. This is an opportunity some of the members of our community would not normally have access to due to financial and other constraints. We look forward to offering this program each year, and can’t wait for 2025!”

As a leader in STEM education and advocacy, the North Museum is proud to present GSK’s Science in the Summer™ program to the community for many years, and is deeply grateful to GSK for their ongoing commitment to enriching the community through the utilization of and access to quality STEM education programs, and the exceptional curriculum provided by the Franklin Institute.

The theme for GSK’s 2025 Science in the Summer™ program will emphasize Health Sciences.
If your organization has an interest in participating in GSK’s 2025 Science in the Summer™ program, presented by the North Museum, please contact Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services at 717-358-4116, kwilson@northmuseum.org.