Michael and Jennifer Ternoey

Glassman Penn Scholars

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:

  1. equip students with the academic foundation needed for success in elite STEM programs,
  2. expose them to the rigorous prerequisites of university-level coursework, and
  3. offer a robust support system to guide students through post-secondary school decision-making.

The inaugural cohort will be a select group of students, fostering meaningful collaboration and mentorship. 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: February 4, 2026
  • Application Closes: March 31, 2026
  • Decision Notifications: April 30, 2026
  • Program Start Date: June 23, 2026
  • Program End Date: July 24, 2026

If you have questions, contact:
outreach@seas.upenn.edu

Penn Engineering Team:

Dr. Robert Ghrist, Faculty Lead

Chanda Jefferson, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach

Dominique Thomas, Manager of Community Engagement and Outreach

Kyle Kacala, Manager of Fife – Penn STEM & CS Academy

Kayan Mohamed, STEM Coordinator

Luyando Kwenda, STEM Coordinator

Apply Today

 

“We believe in the potential of Philadelphia’s students. 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.”

– Michael A. Glassman (CHE’85) and Jennifer Ternoey Glassman (W’92).

Program Summary

  • 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

 

  • Free of charge for participants
  • Penn student mentorship
  • Hands-on experiences in STEM
  • College and workforce development

  • 5 Weeks
  • Rising seniors (11th Graders)
  • 5 Pre-College Classes
  • Engaging Environment
  • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • STEM Skills & Networking

  • Application Open: February 4, 2026
  • Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
  • Decision Notifications: April 30, 2026
  • Program Start Date: June 23, 2026
  • Program End Date: July 24, 2026

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.

Become a Glassman Scholar