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The Miracle of Penn State: How This Summer Program Changes the Destinies of Young Scientists?
The Pennsylvania Science School (PGSS), the only surviving program of the Pennsylvania Governor's Schools of Excellence program, has been hosted by Carnegie Mellon University since 1982 and attracts hundreds of high school students who are passionate about science every year. join. The program is designed to promote scientific interest rather than simply impart knowledge.
“The social development that most students gain here is probably as important as their scientific knowledge.”
PGSS's admissions process is extremely competitive, with only 72 applicants being accepted. Participants are required to live in the residence halls for five weeks, during which time they choose core subjects and a number of elective courses. These courses cover a variety of areas including biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics, and provide opportunities for laboratory courses and group research projects.
Project design and features
One of the greatest features of this program is the emphasis on collaboration rather than competition. Students will not be ranked based on their grades. This design promotes a spirit of cooperation among classmates, allowing them to support each other academically and work together.
“Students participate in team projects that culminate in scientific research papers each year.”
Every year, PGSS jointly compiles all final research papers into a journal, which is not only a display of the students' strength, but also the result of their joint efforts during this period. The teamwork experience has a profound impact on the students, making them full of confidence and expectations for their future academic career.
Recovery Process
Unfortunately, in 2009, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell cut funding for PGSS, causing the program to be temporarily interrupted. Subsequently, a group of PGSS alumni and parent volunteers identified the restart project as the most important “team project”. After nearly five years of hard work, they not only successfully reorganized the PGSS Campaign, Inc., but also held fundraising events and obtained support from the state government and businesses.
"As long as we can help future scientists, we are willing to donate our time and resources."
Thus, PGSS was finally revived in 2013 and continued in 2014, marking the resumption of a key program that has trained a new generation of young scientists.
Course Schedule
The core courses taken by PGSS are constantly updated, and professors provide a variety of teaching methods in their professional fields to enable students to acquire all-round knowledge. These courses include HIV/AIDS biotechnology, organic chemistry, discrete mathematics and modern physics, and provide opportunities for basic programming and independent study.
In addition, each subject has corresponding experimental courses and team plans, which not only consolidates students' learning, but also paves the way for the writing and presentation of the final team report.
Life and social activities
Students’ lives are not limited to classroom learning, but also include rich and diverse social activities. From theme park excursions to indoor quiz competitions, these events allow students and alumni to build deeper friendships and experience the collaborative spirit of PGSS together. Every year, reunions of old friends allow many alumni to keep in touch even after many years.
“These experiences have shaped their social skills and made the spirit of never giving up part of their lives.”
As time goes by, PGSS has gradually become an inspirational beacon in the hearts of Pennsylvania high school students, and its support for young scientists has gradually been recognized and valued by the society.
SummaryThrough continuous support and hard work, Pennsylvania Science School has provided a platform for generations of young people to realize their dreams. This is not only a new starting point for academics, but also a hotbed of friendship and cooperation. So how will future scientists use these opportunities to change the world?
