STEM Summer programs for kids at the Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s summer program brings hands-on health science experiments to 24 libraries as kids explore careers in STEM.
Thanks to the Free Library of Philadelphia, aspiring young scientists in grades 2-6 have an exciting opportunity this summer to dive into the world of health science through hands-on experiments and real-world problem-solving. The innovative “Science in the Summer” program, a collaboration between GSK and the Franklin Institute, is bringing free interactive learning experiences to 24 neighborhood libraries across Philadelphia.

Exploring health science careers through hands-on learning
The “Be a Health Scientist” program introduces students to five distinct healthcare professions through engaging, practical experiments. Children will step into the roles of cardiologists, dietitians, athletic trainers, epidemiologists, and orthopedic doctors as they tackle real scientific challenges under the guidance of trained librarians.
Young participants will explore various aspects of healthcare and wellness through a scientific lens, answering questions they have about health and the human body. The program aims to boost children’s confidence in science while showcasing the diversity of career paths in healthcare.
Program details and accessibility
The summer sessions are designed to be accessible to all interested students, with no pre-registration required. Programs will be hosted at neighborhood libraries throughout Philadelphia, with each location offering up to five different health science modules.
Families can easily find participating locations and program schedules through the free library’s calendar. The program is part of a broader initiative to engage young minds in STEM education during the summer months.
To complement the summer program, students can also access:
- Extended STEM activities on the Youth Services Hub
- Additional STEM programs at local libraries
- A specially curated Be a Health Scientist booklist
This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.