KANSAS CITY AREA BUDDING BIOLOGISTS EXPLORE THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE DURING GSK SCIENCE IN THE SUMMER™ IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE FREE STEM ENRICHMENT PROGRAM RETURNS FOR SUMMER 2022

Free program is offered through award winning Science City

Kansas City, MO – June 1, 2022 – GSK Science in the Summer™, a free summer STEM program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing opportunities for children to embody science careers, think scientifically, practice authentic science techniques, and have fun, returns this summer with a new theme: Be a Biologist!

The 2022 curriculum invites elementary school-aged children to play the role of biologists and tackle challenges in fisheries, plant biology, paleobiology, and wildlife biology through hands-on activities and experiments. Students will explore the world of living things as they tackle real-world problems—such as solving a mystery at a troubled fishery, uncovering ancient fossils, planning the perfect plant habitats, and lending a hand to threatened hummingbirds.

Supported by GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) in partnership with Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute and administered through Science City since 2015 this fun, 100% free STEM enrichment program helps prevent the summer slide and works to keep students engaged with learning through fun, hands-on activities that will help ignite a lifelong passion for science. This year, the program is expected to reach more than 30,000 students at 40 host organizations across the country*.

“Scientists are encountering problems today that we never thought we would face, which is why it is critical to foster interest in science as early as possible,” said Maya Martinez-Davis, President, US Pharmaceuticals at GSK. “GSK Science in the Summer™ provides students in the communities where we live and work, firsthand scientific experience putting them on the path to becoming our next generation of leaders.”

GSK Science in the Summer™ was created in Philadelphia as part of GSK’s commitment to supporting STEM education and students from communities often under-represented in STEM careers. The program is 36 years old, and each year continues to evolve to remain fresh, engaging, and relevant for children across the country. This summer, nearly 400 children in the Kansas City area will join thousands more GSK Science in the Summer™ students nationwide as they learn the importance of biology through fun, hands-on, age-appropriate experiments at local community organizations and schools.

Science in the Summer™ is uniquely impactful in that it takes what students are learning in the classroom and brings it to life, creating a cohesive learning experience that ties everything together and resonates,” said Dr. Darryl Williams, Chemical Engineer and Senior Vice President of Science and Education at The Franklin Institute. “Science is at the forefront now more than ever and ensuring that underserved and traditionally underrepresented youth across the country have opportunities to see themselves as biologists, engineers, chemists, or doctors will help create a more diverse STEM workforce.”

Developed by the Franklin Institute, the curriculum is freely available at scienceinthesummer.fi.edu.

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ABOUT Union Station Kansas City – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization – is a 107-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Recently awarded “Favorite Attraction”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Favorite Historic Attraction”, the organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.

The Franklin Institute
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania’s most visited museum is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

GSK
GSK is a science-led global healthcare company. For further information, please visit
https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/.

Approved Crediting Statement:
GSK Science in the Summer™ is supported by GSK in partnership with the Franklin Institute and administered through Science City.

Media Contact:
Stefanie Santo, The Franklin Institute, 215.448.1152 or 267.251.4632, [email protected]
Sydney Dodson-Nease, GSK, 215.370.4680, [email protected]
Jonathan Dudrey, Union Station, 816-460-2091, [email protected]

*In 2022, the network will reach approximately 17,000 children at 30 sites across the country, in addition to 11,000 children in the program’s two flagship locations (6,000 children in the Greater Philadelphia Area and 5,000 children in 10 counties across North Carolina, in partnership with UNC Morehead Planetarium and Science Center).