Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences Re-Launched with the Help of AT&T

AT&T (News - Alert), a premier communications holding company, is helping assist with the re-launch of Governor's School for the Sciences based in Pennsylvania this summer.

Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences (PGSS) was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to provide a summer enrichment experience in sciences and mathematics for talented Pennsylvania high school students. Since its inception in 1982, it has also hosted the Mellon College of Science at Carnegie Mellon University. The program closed down in 2008 due to scarcity of funds, but with the help of AT&T, PGSS will be restarting its program in the summer of 2013 from June 30 through August 3, 2013.

PGSS, Inc. is a non-profit organization working to reinstate the program for talented students. It is led by alumni from Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences. With the $40,000 contribution to PGSS, Inc. from AT&T, the re-launched school program will be able to help talented high-school students from across Pennsylvania get an opportunity to research at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in an intensive five-week program with true hands-on-learning.

AT&T offers the best wireless coverage globally. The company also supports projects that address community needs, creates learning opportunities and promotes academic and economic achievements. AT&T contributed more than $115 million through corporate, employee and AT&T Foundation-giving programs during 2011 alone.

Meanwhile, PGSS Inc. helps students prepare for careers in STEM, science, technology, engineering and math for future students and creates a professional network for its alumni.

"Simply put, STEM will drive this country – and Pennsylvania – forward," J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Mid Atlantic said. "AT&T's commitment to education and STEM is as much a part of our legacy as our future. Our support of PGSS will help prepare the next generation of engineers, scientists and other innovators right here in Pennsylvania. We're excited to be part of this project."

According to Ron Tomalis, Pennsylvania secretary of Education, AT&T's support is vital for students interested in STEM careers.

"Governor Corbett believes that programs that lead to careers in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics are critical to Pennsylvania's long-term economic success," Tomalis explained. "In the past, thousands of Pennsylvania students attended the Governor's School for Sciences, and the collaboration among AT&T, Carnegie Mellon University and PGSS alumni will help build a solid foundation for students who take part in the program."

"Over the past 25 years, the professional accomplishments of PGSS graduates have made a significant impact in fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. PGSS alumni realize the incredible value a stronger presence by employers and corporations will have in the restored PGSS program. We're grateful for AT&T's support, and we look forward to working with the company during this summer's program," added Maureen Ryan, executive director of PGSS, Inc.

Applications for the program are being accepted through February 15, 2013.