The problem with bad times is they generate bad choices -- and an unfortunate one is Ed Rendell's decision to pull funding for the Pennsylvania Governor's Schools of Excellence, a summer program with a reputation for excellence.

On one level, it is understandable -- something has got to give in a deep recession that has reduced state revenues. Moreover, Gov. Rendell is not insensitive to the needs of education in general and the Governor's Schools in particular. He said of it: "It's a great, great program, but we simply cannot afford to fund it this summer."

But eliminating funding is incomprehensible on another level. America needs super-achievers to scale the heights as much as it needs underachievers to meet firm standards. Nothing is more important to a nation lagging in science and math and seeking to stay internationally competitive than to encourage a culture of high achievement among its youth.

That is what the Governor's Schools of Excellence have been doing since 1973. The best students in 10th and 11th grades compete for coveted spots in a five-week program. Some 752 vacancies attract thousands of applications.

Administered by the state Department of Education, schools are set up for the arts; agricultural science; global entrepreneurship; information, society and technology; health care; international studies; sciences and teaching. Alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves in various ways.

What to do now? Our preference would be to cut something else in the budget. If that is not possible, we would appeal to the state's charitable institutions to lend a hand. The funding needed is only $3.2 million.

The state might also consider charging students an income-based fee. As it is now, the state provides tuition, room, board and class supplies for free. Such is the prestige of the schools that parents might not object to paying something that can help make a student's resume golden.

A great, great program should not be the first victim of bad, bad times.