AT&T Helps Re-Launch Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Support from AT&T will help re-launch the Governor's School for the Sciences this summer, giving talented high-school students from across Pennsylvania an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and research during the intensive, five-week program at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

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AT&T provided a $40,000 contribution to PGSS, Inc., a non-profit organization led by alumni from the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) who have worked to reinstate the program for future students and create a professional network for its alumni.

The work of PGSS, Inc. is aligned with AT&T's ongoing efforts to help prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) – key disciplines that are critical to the continued competitiveness of the Commonwealth and to AT&T, according to J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Mid Atlantic.

"Simply put, STEM will drive this country – and Pennsylvania – forward," Schweder said.  "AT&T's commitment to education and STEM is as much a part of our legacy as our future. Our support of PGSS will help prepare the next generation of engineers, scientists and other innovators right here in Pennsylvania.  We're excited to be part of this project."

Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis said AT&T's support is important to creating a pathway of opportunity for students interested in STEM careers.

"Governor Corbett believes that programs that lead to careers in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics are critical to Pennsylvania's long-term economic success," Tomalis said.  "In the past, thousands of Pennsylvania students attended the Governor's School for Sciences, and the collaboration among AT&T, Carnegie Mellon University and PGSS alumni will help build a solid foundation for students who take part in the program."

Tomalis added that applications are being accepted through February 15, and he encouraged students to learn more at www.pgss.mcs.cmu.edu.

"Over the past 25 years, the professional accomplishments of PGSS graduates have made a significant impact in fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. PGSS alumni realize the incredible value a stronger presence by employers and corporations will have in the restored PGSS program. We're grateful for AT&T's support, and we look forward to working with the company during this summer's program," said Maureen Ryan, executive director of PGSS, Inc.

About PGSS, Inc.

The PGSS Campaign, Inc. is a non-profit organization that worked to reinstate the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) for future students and create a professional network for alumni.

PGSS is a rigorous summer program that will allow students to engage in the sciences, be challenged intellectually, and develop personally. With admittance based upon merit and not tuition or boarding expenses, PGSS allows students to attend regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.

Through private and public funding, we seek to reestablish PGSS as an annual program that fosters scientific thinking, scholarly collaboration, and interpersonal connections in our society while encouraging women and minority students to consider scientific careers.

About the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences

The Pennsylvania Department of Education established the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) in order to provide a summer enrichment experience in the sciences and mathematics for talented Pennsylvania high school students, and to encourage them to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The PGSS program provides instruction in biological sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science, with emphasis on collaborative learning and team research.

The PGSS program has been hosted by the Mellon College of Science, at Carnegie Mellon University each summer since its inception in 1982 until 2008. After a brief hiatus, PGSS will return again for the summer of 2013. Program dates: June 30 through August 3, 2013.

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