FAQs

The Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS) is a summer enrichment program in mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, and biology for rising high school seniors throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Between 1982 and 2008 and starting again in 2013, PGSS is hosted at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA for 5 weeks every summer, typically from end of June until the beginning of August. It features a cutting-edge curriculum and hands-on laboratory research that makes use of the sophisticated technology and facilities of Carnegie-Mellon. For many high schoolers, it is their first exposure to college-level academics and an inspiration to pursue further studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

In this age of information explosion, scientific research is constantly developing new frontiers and the technology with which to conquer them. It is understandably difficult in terms of budget, scheduling, and heterogeneous talents among student bodies for local schools to deliver the front line in science and mathematical experiences to students with special abilities and talents in these fields. PGSS Campaign, Inc. is dedicated to maintaining the presence of this unique and valuable program to future generations of Pennsylvania high school students.

Academically talented high school students who are current juniors and residents of Pennsylvania at the time of the application deadline can apply to the PA Governor’s School for the Sciences. Applicants typically demonstrate academic achievement, especially in the sciences and mathematics and a record of pursuing this interest beyond the classroom. For the 2013 program, there were 515 applications for 56 spots, later raised to 60 through the generosity of PGSS Campaign.

Admission to PGSS is solely-merit based. Applications are typically due at the beginning of the calendar year (January). Following initial reading by faculty and staff from the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences, applications are classified into Intermediate Unit region groups by geography. Admission decisions are made by judging applications within each group, and not by comparing applications to the entire pool.

Expenses for a 5-week PGSS program include tuition, instructional materials, and room and board so that students can maintain residence on the Carnegie-Mellon campus. From 1982-2008, services were fully subsidized by the state of Pennsylvania, and all students were enabled to attend PGSS at no financial cost to their families. PGSS Campaign, Inc., a non-profit run by alumni of PGSS, donate money and secure some corporate funding to make PGSS possible.

PGSS Campaign, Inc. is establishing public and private partnerships with the state of Pennsylvania and various companies so that future PGSS programs will continue to be free of charge to students and their families.

Funding is provided through the generosity of alumni and their families and friends as well as corporate sponsors secured by PGSS Campaign, Inc.

PGSS Campaign has pledged to continue to secure private donations and grants for the perpetuation of PGSS. It is our hope that there may soon be a public-private partnership with the Governor’s office and that the PA legislature will also make PGSS a priority in the budget for upcoming years. This is the only way PGSS will continue.

Donations through www.pgsscampaign.org/donate (or the donate button to the left) is the most convenient, and also allows for automatic recurring donations. However, because Paypal charges a ~2% fee for non-profits, checks are the best way to donate large amounts (sent to PGSS Campaign, 161 West Hills Drive, Williamsport PA 17701).

For corporate donation, please contact our Executive Director, Heidi Malin at heidi.malin@pgsscampaign.org.

For individual donations and because the maximum one time sum transferable via Paypal is $10,000, gifts greater than this amount are most easily received through check or wire transfer. Please contact us for additional options. Because Paypal charges a ~2% fee for non-profits, checks are the best way to donate.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is our official designation with the IRS. Our EIN is 27-3095103.