Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Announces Two New Governor's Schools for Summer 2014

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 24, 2014 Governor Tom Corbett today announced two new Governor's Schools for summer 2014: the Governor's School for the Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University in Centre County and the Governor's School for Engineering and Technology at Lehigh University in Northampton County.  These two schools are in addition to the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

"I am pleased that Penn State and Lehigh universities have agreed to host these programs, providing high school students with opportunities to experience hands-on training and high-quality learning," Corbett said.  "The agriculture, engineering and technology industries are critical to Pennsylvania's economic growth, and I thank each university for joining with my administration by investing in additional resources for students."

The Pennsylvania Governor's School for Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University is a four-week, residential program for talented high school juniors interested in the agricultural sciences.

From July 13 to Aug. 9, 2014, students will participate in challenging courses and research projects with Penn State professors, faculty and program staff.

For additional information about the Governor's School for the Agricultural Sciences and to obtain an application, visit www.agsci.psu.edu/governors-school.

The Pennsylvania Governor's School for Engineering and Technology at Lehigh University is a two-week, summer residential program for high school students interested in studying technology and mathematics.

The program, which runs from July 20 to Aug. 2, 2014, will offer students an enrichment experience in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), cooperative learning, and hands-on laboratory experiences.

To obtain additional information about the Governor's School for Engineering and Technology and to download an application, visit www.lehigh.edu/pgset.

After being closed in 2008, the Governor's Schools were reinstated by Governor Corbett in summer 2013 with the reopening of the PGSS at Carnegie Mellon University.

Entering its second year in operation, PGSS is an intensive, five-week summer residential program that emphasizes cooperative learning and hands-on laboratory research for high school juniors pursuing careers in the sciences.  Governor Corbett committed $150,000 in state funding each year for two years beginning in summer 2013.

Last summer, 56 students from 48 high schools across the state participated in the program.

Students who are selected to attend the Governor's Schools receive full scholarships, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the universities, and private and corporate donations.

Scholarships cover the costs of housing, meals and all instructional materials.  Families are responsible for transportation to and from the university, personal items and spending money.  Students must commit to living on campus throughout the duration of program.

As a way to ensure these programs remain in place, Governor Corbett's 2014-15 budget, which includes an additional $387 million for education, sets aside $350,000 for the Governor's Schools.

"Our children must have access to high-quality learning opportunities for them to be successful after high school," Corbett said.  "The Governor's Schools are just one of many ways we are investing in students to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.  I want to thank Penn State, Lehigh and Carnegie Mellon universities for partnering with me to make these programs possible."

Media contact: Tim Eller, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor