Governor's School for the Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University Accepting Applications for Summer 2014 Program

High School Juniors Pursuing STEM-Related Careers Encouraged to Apply

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University is now accepting applications from talented high school juniors for the summer 2014 program, scheduled for June 29 through Aug. 2, 2014.

With the support of Governor Tom Corbett, the state Department of Education, Carnegie Mellon University and the school's alumni, the program offers an enrichment experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and encourages Pennsylvania's youth to pursue careers in STEM-related fields. It is open to students who attend a public, nonpublic and private school, or are homeschooled.

The Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences is an intensive, five-week summer residential program that emphasizes cooperative learning and hands-on laboratory research for 56 high school juniors pursuing careers in science and mathematics.

"Careers in the sciences will contribute significantly to Pennsylvania's economic growth and will help secure the state's long-term financial stability," Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq said. "This program is an excellent way for interested high school students to delve deeper into the sciences and expand their knowledge and training in this growing field."

The summer 2014 Governor's School will be the second year the program will operate since ending in 2008.

The summer 2013 session enrolled 56 students from 48 high schools in 28 of the state's 29 intermediate units.

Accepted applicants will receive a full scholarship to the program. Costs are underwritten through a $150,000 grant from the state Department of Education with matching funds provided by the school's alumni, Carnegie Mellon University, parents and corporations.

Awarded scholarships will 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 at Carnegie Mellon University throughout the duration of the program.

Completed applications must be sent to Carnegie Mellon University and postmarked no later than Jan. 31, 2014. Applications postmarked after this date will be disqualified.

For additional information about the program and to download an application, visit www.pgss.mcs.cmu.edu.

Media contact: Tim Eller, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education