The Pennsylvania Governor’s School for International Studies (PGSIS) was a free 5-week college-level summer program open to any rising high school senior in the Commonwealth. 100 students were selected for each of the eight Governor’s School programs based on a rigorous application process highlighting academic achievement and for the International Studies school I was one of the lucky ones.

Some courses we could choose, others were for all participants. My selected classes were:

  • Global Environmental Politics
  • Multicultural Communications
  • International Relations
  • Japanese Immersion
  • Civic Engagement

There were eight total Governor’s Schools that year for various topics (business, healthcare, etc), all located at different colleges and universities across the state. PGSIS took place on the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus.

Unfortunately, after state budget cuts, the Governor’s Schools ceased to exist after 2008. Some continued on for a fee but the advanced learning opportunities I experienced based on academic achievement regardless of socioeconomic status would never be the same for future generations.