Penn Summer Science Initiative (PSSI)

A four-week, in-person summer program for local high school students focused on materials science and engineering. The program includes lectures from Penn faculty, laboratory workshops, hands-on activities, projects, and field trips, with training in materials characterization techniques. It runs weekdays and requires work on reports and projects outside program hours. The program is offered free of charge.

Free four-week intensive course, lectures from faculty, laboratory workshops, hands-on activities, projects, field trips, and training in materials characterization techniques.

Will accept students entering their junior or senior year of high school from the greater Philadelphia region; applicants must have taken chemistry and/or physics, must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, must be within daily commuting distance of Penn’s campus, and are selected based on scholastic achievement, resume, interest in science, and recommendations.

Complete the online application form; submit a resume, a report card (PDF), and two recommendation forms (one must be from a current or former science teacher).