The state's recent budget problems may bring an end to one of the most selective educational programs in Pennsylvania: the Governor's School of Excellence (PGSE).
Each year, thousands of students compete for a spot in one of eight programs hosted by various universities across the state. At Penn State, the College of Agriculture hosts 64 of these students and grants them the opportunity to not only further explore their interests, but also to get a first-hand feel for the university, according to the PSGE for Agricultural Sciences Web site.
Nevertheless, Gov. Ed Rendell's 2009-10 proposed budget has eliminated funding for PGSE, effectively canceling the program.
Administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, PGSE started in 1973 and offers a variety of diverse collegiate programs. Alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Aaron J. Kernis, actor Kevin Bacon and author Alice Sebold, according to the PGSE Web site.
Ryan Emerson (senior-landscape architecture) attended the Pennsylvania Governor's School for Agricultural Sciences and recalled the benefits. Attending the state-funded program was the initial reason he enrolled at Penn State, he said.
"It exposed me to Penn State. ... I figured that if I loved it for those five weeks, I'd love it for five years," he said. "To take away such an opportunity for students is disappointing."
Emerson's sentiment isn't unique. Thousands of students have been writing to their legislators in a fight for the life of PGSE. One group in particular, Save the Govies, has coordinated its efforts over Facebook and has garnered more than 4,000 members.
Another group, SavePGSE, has also seen some success and has gathered more than 2,500 letters. Members plan to hand-deliver them to legislature during a rally in Harrisburg next Tuesday.
Chuck Ardo, the governor's press secretary, said Americans are in the midst of the "most serious economic crisis of our lifetime." He said Rendell had to make difficult choices to keep the budget in balance -- the governor could not justify funding the program under current economic conditions.
"Funds need to be spent on programs that are essential to the well being of Pennsylvanians," he said.
Leah Harris, assistant press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, agreed.
"We had to spend our money wisely and we chose to fund educational programs that are year round," she said.
For PSGE to continue, the program must receive $3.2 million in state funding, said Kate Plows, former residence life director with PGSE.
However, Plows questions just how justified the state's reasoning is, considering the other programs and new initiatives that are still being funded.
Plows said the budget proposal is "ethically irresponsible," considering PGSE programs cost so little compared to other projects and give so much to the students of Pennsylvania.
"It's not about the money, it's about sending a message," she said. "The message they are sending is that the state will not stand by its ambitious students -- that they should pay for their own educational opportunities."
