The Glassman Penn Scholars Program
Preparing High School Students for STEM Success
The Glassman Penn Scholars Program is a transformative five-week summer pre-college initiative for rising high school seniors. This program is tailored for gifted students from the Philadelphia Schools who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The program aims to give students a competitive advantage in college applications and preparation for a rigorous STEM-based education. Its key objectives are to:
- equip students with the academic foundation needed for success in elite STEM programs,
- expose them to the rigorous prerequisites of university-level coursework, and
- offer a robust support system to guide students through post-secondary school decision-making.
The inaugural cohort will consist of 20 students. A team of Penn Engineering professors and veteran high school educators will design each course. In addition to advanced academic training, students will receive support in college application strategies, resume building, personal branding, effective communication, networking, and leadership development.
This initiative is designed to help students sharpen their academic and professional skills, boost their self-confidence, and prepare them for a successful future in STEM fields.
Key Dates:
- Application Opens: January 20, 2026
- Application Closes: March 31, 2026
- Decision Notifications: April 30, 2026
- Tentative Program Start Date: June 23, 2026
- Tentative Program End Date: July 25, 2026
If you have questions, contact:
outreach@seas.upenn.edu
Glassman Penn Scholars Team
Program Director
Chanda Jefferson
Graduate STEM Coordinator
Kayan Mohamed
Program Faculty
Dr. Robert Ghrist – AI/Mathematics
Program Faculty
Dr. Harry Smith – Computer Science/Robotics
Teacher Faculty
Dr. David Bundard – Physics
College and Workforce Readiness Coach
Heights Philadelphia
Glassman Penn Scholars’ Creed
- As a Glassman Penn Scholar, I commit to excellence in all I do.
- I will seek knowledge with curiosity, and apply it with integrity.
- I will honor the legacy of Penn, the Glassman family, and the community that supports me.
- I will uplift others as I rise, knowing we achieve more together.
- I will embrace challenges as opportunities and persist with resilience.
- I will prepare to lead with purpose and solve the global challenges of our future.
- I will find my way and shape tomorrow.
“The University of Pennsylvania has a beautiful campus in the middle of the City of Philadelphia. We embrace our connections with the city and with our community, and we are committed to a plan of having a student body representative of our surrounding population.”
— Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dean of Penn Engineering
Program Summary
Program Goals
- Prepare students for post-secondary STEM education and competitive college applications
- Equip students with the academic foundation for success in elite STEM programs
- Expose students to university-level STEM coursework
- Offer personalized support in college applications, resume building, and leadership skills
Key Highlights
- Free of charge for participants
- Penn student mentorship
- Hands-on experiences in STEM
- College and workforce development
Program Structure and Schedule
- 5 Weeks
- 20 rising seniors
- 5 Pre-College Classes
- Engaging Environment
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- STEM Skills & Networking
Important Dates
- Application Open: January 20, 2026
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Decision Notifications: April 30, 2026
- Program Start Date: June 23, 2026