Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)

Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science (PACTS) 

Established in 1993, the PACTS Program engages 60 middle school students to develop vital skills in public speaking, critical thinking, computing, management, research and laboratory learning, leadership, and service after school and in the summer. Nearly 2,000 students from the greater Philadelphia area have nurtured their passion for technology and science as a part of PACTS while developing vital skills in public speaking, critical thinking, computer applications, and team management. Overall, 100% of PACTS seniors committed to local or national colleges and universities, as compared to the School District of Philadelphia graduation rate of 67%. Graduates of the program remain committed after graduation by serving as mentors for current students and raising scholarship funds through the PACTS alumni board.

80 high school students in STEM Scholars will take part in weekly, hands-on workshops during the academic year and an intensive summer program, giving motivated students from under-resourced schools unique opportunities for academic enrichment, site visits and real-world learning, paid internships and apprenticeships, test preparation, and college/career counseling. STEM Scholars select a project-based learning and supplementary skills-building path such as college preparation or career & technical education (CTE). STEM Scholars develop a STEM-focused business plan with their specific cohort as a part of the Pitch Project Initiative, gaining experience in ideation and prototyping, evaluation and critique, network building, and lastly, experience in leadership and teamwork. STEM Scholars train as specialized STEM docents, taking up paid positions as “ambassadors” on the Institute floor and beyond.

The Institute is committed to bringing individuals from under-resourced neighborhoods into the museum and to bringing science to them in their own communities. Through the Student Access Program, the Institute provides deeply discounted admission to more than 200,000 schoolchildren each year, including more than 30,000 students from the region’s Title I schools—such as every public school in Philadelphia—who are admitted at no cost. Many students and schools would not be able to take advantage of the tremendous educational resources available at the Institute without this discount, and as part of each school visit, students engage directly with museum educators. Supported by a wide array of professional development courses for teachers, field trips to The Franklin Institute engage curious students throughout the region.