GSK Invests $450,000 in STEM Education in Philadelphia Public Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GSK INVESTS $450,000 IN STEM EDUCATION IN PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The investment, part of GSK’s commitment to supporting accessible STEM education in Philadelphia, aims to inspire students to pursue STEM careers and help schools align with updated standards for the 2025-2026 school year

PHILADELPHIA – June 4, 2025 – Global biopharma company GSK has donated $450,000 to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education in Philadelphia’s public schools. The grant is designed to support experiential, project-based STEM education in classrooms districtwide, and brings GSK’s overall support for the School District of Philadelphia to $1.1 million since 2020.

In addition to professional development, teacher training, and partnership building, the grant will provide extensive hands-on learning resources to boost STEM education throughout the School District of Philadelphia. The funding allows for the purchase of tools and materials appropriate for a range of ages, from elementary-level craft supplies to high school-level equipment like microscopes, electronic balances, and SparkFun inventor kits.

“In today’s ever evolving world, it’s essential that our students have access to the tools, training, and learning environments that reflect the future they’re stepping into,” said Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “GSK’s ongoing commitment to STEM education in Philadelphia’s public schools empowers our students to tackle today’s challenges, while preparing them with the skills they need to thrive in the future.”

The support from GSK will help District schools attain Pennsylvania’s new K–12 STEELS (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability) standards, which will take effect in the upcoming school year. The new standards, in alignment with current research and best practices, prioritize a shift away from memorization of facts to having students productively participate in scientific discourse and investigation. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address real-world challenges and, ultimately, support Pennsylvania’s economic vitality and its civic strength.

“Staying on the cutting edge of STEM education ensures that Philadelphia’s young people are not only prepared to compete—but to lead—in tomorrow’s workforce and innovation economy,” said Kathryn Epps, President and CEO of the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia. “We are so grateful to GSK for its partnership over the years, and its dedication to the advancement of STEM in our classrooms.”

This grant is part of GSK’s ongoing commitment to inspire Philadelphia students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“Inspiring young students to consider STEM careers starts with providing fun and engaging learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom,” said Becki Lynch, Head of Charitable Investments at GSK. “We are proud to support the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia to develop strategies and interventions to increase interest, confidence and ability to succeed in STEM subjects for students across the School District.”

Investing in STEM education is a key component to accelerating student achievement, one of five priorities of Accelerate Philly, the District’s five-year strategic plan. Learn more about the Fund’s commitment to raise $40 million by 2028 to support the plan and position the School District of Philadelphia to be the fastest improving urban school district in the nation.

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About the School District of Philadelphia
The School District of Philadelphia is the eighth largest school district in the nation and the largest school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Enrollment includes nearly 198,000 students in District-operated, charter and alternative schools, and approximately 19,000 employees. Under the leadership of Superintendent, Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., the School District’s vision to prepare students to imagine and realize any future they desire with a mission that all sectors of public education in Philadelphia will work with urgency to provide every student with the opportunity to achieve positive life outcomes in partnership with diverse families, educators, and community members who are valued and respected. For more information about the School District, visit www.philasd.org.

About the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia
As the only fundraising organization with a direct understanding of the needs of students and families in Philadelphia’s traditional public schools, The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia works to put an excellent public education within reach of every child in Philadelphia by aligning philanthropic and private sector dollars with district priorities to advance academic achievement. To learn more, visit thefundsdp.org. 

About GSK
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Smith, Brownstone PR
215.410.9879
megan@brownstonepr.com

 

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