MMI Preparatory School juniors Rachael Betz and Connor Spencer were two of only 64 students from an applicant pool of 351 students from across Pennsylvania who were selected to participate in the 2021 Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences.
The event, which is usually held on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, will take place remotely this year from July 4 to August 7.
Betz is the daughter of Amy Houm of Tamaqua and Richard Betz of Honesdale. Spencer is the son of Christopher and Christina Spencer of Mountain Top.
Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS) was established to give Pennsylvania high school juniors an intense summer enrichment program in the sciences and mathematics. PGSS was designed to encourage students to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
During the five-week program, students take lecture courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. They also participate in one laboratory course, engage in team research projects, have the option to take elective courses, and hear from distinguished guest lecturers.
Hundreds of students apply each year for acceptance into the prestigious program. To be selected, students are expected to demonstrate excellent academic records, evidence of sustained interest and outstanding performance in science and mathematics both in and out of the classroom, and high standardized test scores.
A panel of judges featuring PGSS administration, Carnegie Mellon University faculty, and state education officials review the applications and select the students.
The selected students receive a full scholarship to attend the PGSS, which includes tuition, course materials, a computer account, and associated technology fees.
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