STEM | News

AT&T Contributes $50,000 to Pennsylvania STEM Programs

• By Rhea Kelly
• 07/14/14

In support of education focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines, AT&T has contributed $25,000 each to two Pennsylvania Governor's School programs at Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon.

At Lehigh U, the AT&T funding will help launch the new Pennsylvania Governor's School for Engineering and Technology, a "two-week, residential engineering and technology program where high school students from across Pennsylvania will explore STEM concepts and careers while experiencing campus life," according to a press release.

"Lehigh's program will focus on attracting bright high school juniors from across the commonwealth and providing them with a true taste of a rigorous university curriculum," said Patrick Farrell, provost and vice president for academic affairs, in a prepared statement. "We believe hands-on lab experience, direct faculty contact and a host of grand challenges will bridge the gap between high school and college and keep them passionate about engineering."

AT&T also contributed $25,000 to the PGSS Campaign, a nonprofit organization led by alumni from the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) at Carnegie Mellon, in support of the PGSS program. Now in its second year, PGSS is a summer residential program for Pennsylvania high schoolers that "allows students to engage in the sciences, be challenged intellectually and develop personally," according to a press release.

"The PGSS Campaign is excited to have AT&T as a returning sponsor. Their generous gift will help provide the opportunity for 60 students to study biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics in residence for five weeks this summer at Carnegie Mellon University," said Benjamin Campbell, PGSS Campaign vice president, in a prepared statement. "The students will choose electives, participate in laboratory activities, and complete a team research project under the guidance of an experienced researcher culminating with a symposium presentation. Many program alumni cite PGSS as a formative experience on their journey to a STEM career, and we are grateful for the investment AT&T has made in their future."

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.