WhySci

Exciting science careers are plentiful in southwestern Pennsylvania. Our community is home to world-class medical device manufacturers, universities, research labs, health care facilities, and start-up companies in the life sciences. Each presents opportunities for challenging, fulfilling careers.

WhySci is a program that helps regional students get a jump on science careers while supplying employers with qualified job candidates. The six-year program exposes high school and college students to hands-on discovery, stimulating experimentation, and real-world learning in:

• Two years of specially designed high school science courses, plus…
 
• Two years of science at a community college, and…
 
• Two years of science to complete a bachelor’s degree at a 4-year college or university

Students gain:

• Early introductions to science that facilitate career planning.
• Career-building skills at any level of the program.
• College credits while attending high school.
• Interaction with scientists and industry pros, yielding insights that textbooks can’t offer.
• Field trips to local companies, colleges, and research facilities, for previews of the working world.
• Internships that provide hands-on experience.

WhySci is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Joan Schanck, the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative’s education and workforce development director, can provide more information.