BioGENEius Challenge Announces 2019 BioSTEM Leader Awardee

The Biotechnology Institute would not have the quality of national excellence at the BioGENEius Challenge or the talent to feed our future biotechnology workforce were it not for the critical learning programs offered by this year’s BioSTEM Leader Awardee, the Philadelphia High School for Girls (GHS).

GHS was founded in 1848 to “prepare teachers for the common schools of Philadelphia.” It was the first municipally-supported secondary school for girls in the United States and was called the Girls’ Normal School. In 1893, the Philadelphia High School for Girls separated from the Girls’ Normal School and the basis for today’s college preparatory curriculum was laid. It continues to exist as a school for the academically talented, providing young students with outstanding opportunities for scholarship, leadership and service. It’s motto, “Vincit qui se vincit,” (He conquers who conquers himself) is attributed to first century B.C. writer Publilius Syrus and is embodied in the school’s Code of Honor and Courtesy. The motto was adopted because of the realization that self-mastery is one of the most important goals one should strive to attain.

As a college preparatory school whose heritage is founded in tradition, it serves academically talented young women drawn from the diversity of Philadelphia. The school’s mission is to graduate students who will treat others compassionately and lead lives of personal integrity at the university level, preparing them to be future leaders. This is accomplished in a safe, nurturing environment that challenges the intellect, provides an enriching extracurricular program, embraces diversity and encourages ethical behavior. GHS maintains a rich and rigorous academic program, which includes Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate, as well as outstanding humanities courses.

Under the strategic vision of Principal Dr. Parthenia Moore, GHS began its STEM/STEAM Program and invited students to come to the inaugural meeting. Expecting twenty-five students to attend, more than sixty showed up and participation continues to increase to date. To assist GHS’s vision of growth in STEM, Dr. Moore secured $3 million for two newly refurbished science laboratories and the refinishing of a third laboratory with no cost to the school. They have installed 20 additional SMARTBoards in teachers’ classrooms across the school to assist in student learning at no cost to the school. GHS has also established STEM partnerships with University of Pennsylvania, Yale, Drexel and Temple Universities.

The students of GHS have connected to the sciences at levels that have surpassed expectations. Through its STEM Program, students are seeking opportunities and being provided information that further supports them in the areas of technology, engineering and mathematics.

“With an appropriate modification to their motto ‘She conquers who conquers herself’, the young women of GHS will be well equipped to achieve their goals in the field of STEM,” said Dr. Larry Mahan, President of the Biotechnology Institute. “We are proud to recognize GHS as this year’s BioSTEM Leader Award for its vision.”

About the Biotechnology Institute

The Biotechnology Institute is an independent, national nonprofit organization dedicated to education about the present and future impact of biotechnology. Its mission is to engage, excite and educate the public, particularly students and teachers, about biotechnology and its immense potential for solving human health, food and environmental problems. For more information, visit www.biotechinstitute.org.

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