Do You Want to be a Scientist When You Grow Up?

Aug 21, 2015 12:00 PM ET

Audio File

One of the highlights of my job as a Community Partnerships Representative is seeing kids learn about the fascinating world of science that exists all around them.

When I hear kids say they want to become scientists, I know that our GSK Science in the Summer™ program is making a difference in their lives. Aditi, an 8-year-old who attended Science in the Summer in Montgomery County, made my day when she took the time to speak with me about her future. 

In the greater Philadelphia area, GSK partners with The Franklin Institute to bring our free STEM education program to over 4,300 students entering grades two through six each year.

Over the summer, I visited several of the 118 libraries in the Philadelphia area to witness the program in action. What really impressed me were the remarkable teachers, many of whom have come back year after year. 

On August 15th, more than 1,300 GSK Science in the Summer™ students, volunteers and their families gathered at The Franklin Institute for a day of science exploration. The day was full of fun! In fact, we were all treated to an indoor fireworks demonstration. 

I'm already looking forward to next year so I can meet more of the students and hear stories about the program, what they learned, and what they want to be when they grow up. 

GSK Science in the Summer is also held in locations throughout the nation including North Carolina and the Washington DC metropolitan area, in partnership with the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Watch this video of kids in North Carolina exploring the ocean without getting wet.