U.S.
The Franklin Institute and GSK Celebrate 40 Years of GSK Science in the Summer™ with New "Be A Chemist!" Theme and Program Expansion
GSK Science in the Summer™, a free hands-on STEM enrichment program led by The Franklin Institute and supported by GSK, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026 with the launch of a new theme, Be A Chemist!, and its first international expansion.
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National STEM Program Surpassed 400,000 Participants Since Founding in Philadelphia; expands to UK through partnership with OnSide. Photos: Be A Chemist! PHILADELPHIA, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GSK Science in the Summer™, a free hands-on STEM enrichment program led by The Franklin Institute and supported by GSK, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026 with the launch of a new theme, Be A Chemist!, and its first international expansion. Since its founding in Philadelphia, the nationally recognized program has reached more than 400,000 children across the U.S., bringing high-quality, accessible STEM learning to libraries and community organizations nationwide. The program aims to increase youth interest and confidence in science through fun, hands-on experiences that invite students to step into the role of a scientist. This year, Be A Chemist! activities will introduce learners to different branches of chemistry to show how chemists investigate materials, test ideas, and design useful products. Students in grades 2 through 6 will become cosmetic, forensic, materials, medicinal, and water chemists. Through investigations and experiments, they will tackle challenges faced by real-world chemists, including testing pH levels for skin safety, using chromatography to analyze ink from a mock crime scene, comparing the properties of slime with other toy materials, discovering chemical combinations that can relieve an upset stomach, and examining water samples to better understand how to support cleaner rivers after spills. "For 40 years, GSK Science in the Summer™ has provided young people with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to engage with real scientific disciplines in ways that build both skills and confidence," said Darryl Williams, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Science, Education, and HR at The Franklin Institute. "We continue to see how early STEM experiences strengthen confidence, expand access to science learning, and help young people across communities nationwide build lasting connections." Families can find free GSK Science in the Summer™ programs at local libraries and community organizations throughout the summer by visiting scienceinthesummer.fi.edu. 40 Years of STEM Impact UK ExpansionThis year, the program will expand internationally for the first time with programming in the UK, running in collaboration ...