Connelly Foundation Grant Funds Partnership Between USciences and St. Francis de Sales

Editor's note: This article was written prior to University of the Sciences' merger with and into Saint Joseph's University and does not reflect the current, combined institution. References to programs, offices, colleges, employees, etc., may be historical information.

USciences has received a $25,000 grant from the Connelly Foundation to support a new partnership aimed at engaging local catholic school students in science.

The “Sparking Passion for Science” program allows a diverse group of seventh and eighth graders from St. Francis de Sales School in West Philadelphia, just a few blocks from USciences’ campus, to participate in regular STEM activities. USciences faculty will engage about 100 St. Francis students with regular outreach programs throughout the school year and the program will culminate in a two-week summer camp on campus.

“My fellow faculty and I are delighted to have a chance to share our passion for science and healthcare with the next generation of scientists at St. Francis,” said Maggie Panning Pearce, PhD, assistant professor of biology and neuroscience at USciences, who is coordinating the program at USciences. Maryann Flynn, the STEM teacher at St. Francis de Sales, will act as the liaison for the program.

The program is set to begin in January 2021 with virtual activities and will become a sustainable and longstanding program for students at St. Francis.