The School of Engineering and Applied Science recently announced on that it will launch the Michael and Jennifer Ternoey Glassman Penn Scholars Program for students enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia.
The five-week program was made possible by a donation from 1985 Engineering graduate Michael Glassman and 1992 Wharton graduate Jennifer Ternoey Glassman. The initiative, a free pre-college opportunity for rising high school seniors who are interested in STEM, is the newest Inveniam Outreach Program.
The Cora Ingrum Center for Community Engagement and Outreach will administer the initiative and welcome its inaugural cohort this summer. The students will take five pre-college classes and gain access to support as they prepare for their college application cycle.
The curriculum, designed by the Engineering School faculty and veteran high school educators, will include “university-level STEM coursework” covering mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, and computer science.
“We believe in the potential of Philadelphia’s students,” the Glassmans wrote in the announcement. “By providing advanced STEM preparation, we hope to open doors for young people who have the talent and drive to excel in science and engineering.”
The Glassman Penn Scholars team consists of faculty lead Robert Ghrist, Engineering School Director of Community Engagement and Outreach Chandra Jefferson, and graduate STEM coordinator Kayan Mohamed.
“Strong preparation in math, science and AI can change the course of a young person’s life,” Ghrist wrote. “We are deeply grateful for the Glassmans’ partnership.”
After the students engage in faculty-guided research and mentorship, the program will culminate in a capstone research project and final presentation. The program will also support students with resume building, leadership development, networking opportunities, and the college application process.
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“Programs like this change what students believe is possible for themselves,” Jefferson wrote.
Applications for the inaugural cohort are open until March 31. The program, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, will begin on June 23 and conclude by July 24.
Glassman Penn Scholars joins a host of programs at Inveniam Outreach — which partners with local K–12 youth to provide access to high-quality STEM training and enrichment opportunities.
