PACTS (Partnership for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science) is a youth leadership experience designed to create pathways and connections for students to prepare for future involvement in STEM. PACTS combines science enrichment, career development, mentoring, and leadership opportunities for diverse middle school students in the Philadelphia region. As a PACTS student, you will experience hands-on science workshops, environmental research, special field trips, and opportunities to connect with community organizations.
About
The PACTS Program is a FREE program, available to Philadelphia area students in grades 6 through 8. PACTS offers three different workshops that meet twice a month, on Saturday mornings, during the school year at The Franklin Institute. There are no specific scholastic requirements, but students are encouraged to be strong in math and science and have a passion for learning!
Robotics
What does it take to build a robot? Join our engineering team to successfully design, build, program, and operate a robot. Students collaborate with one another to complete various mechanical and technological challenges such as building robotics kits, or even competing in the FIRST Lego League Challenge.
Science in the City
How do you design the tallest building in Philadelphia? Explore this and more by joining architects and city planners as they take you through the aspects of modern architecture to determine how these structures impact our communities. Complete design challenges and gain critical skills that equip you to solve real problems.
Science Investigators
Interested in it all? Use your investigative skills to explore a broad range of topics ranging from environmental science to forensics. In the Science Investigators workshop, you will use a hands-on approach to gain an understanding of the Scientific Method through engaging research and activities
Peer to Peer Mentorship Aspects
The Franklin Ambassador program, a branch of our high school STEM Scholars, is an integral part of PACTS workshops. Ambassadors join us for each workshop session to assist students in the successful completion of tasks. This mentorship aspect is a unique opportunity for PACTS students to learn from peers, build relationships, and strengthen the skills learned through workshops!
PACTS Alumni
The PACTS Alumni Association’s aim is to secure the existence and future of the PACTS program at The Franklin Institute by mentoring students, fostering volunteerism, contributing financially to its programs and assisting students in post-secondary educational endeavors.
The Alumni Association serves as a network for current PACTS students and recent graduates to stay connected to the program and each other. Today, that mission is brought to life through events, programs, and support such as:
- Alumni Speaks
- Alumni Newsletter: Legacy
- PACTS Senior Sendoff
- The Gilbert West Scholarship
The Gilbert A. West Jr. PACTS Alumni Scholarship fund
Donate to the PACTS Scholarship
Gilbert A. West represented the giving spirit and passion of the first PACTS Explainers group and beyond. Gilbert’s 15 year contribution and impact on the PACTS program was invaluable. Gilbert’s early passing presents the PACTS Alumni Association the opportunity to establish a scholarship fund in Mr. West’s honor. The PACTS Alumni Association award annually, financial support to PACTS students who demonstrate the following:
- Enthusiasm about the PACTS Program,
- The pursuit of advanced learning and/or higher education,
- Active participation in the community.
Donate
PACTS is funded by the generosity of donors to The Franklin Institute. If you would like to make a gift to The Franklin Institute in support of the PACTS program please
Sponsors
The PACTS Program is generously funded through the support of:
The STEM Scholars Program is generously funded through the support of:
Marsha Barnett
Barnett Family Foundation
Victor Bearg
Ian and Sheila Marie Brown
Brown Brothers Harriman Co.
Chameleon Cloud Service
Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation
Chubb
Comcast Corporation
Ian Comisky
Marci Comisky
Sylvia DiBona
Barbara Doyle
Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation
Educational Opportunities, LLC
Elliot's Vending Company, Inc.
Elliott-Lewis Corporation
Home for Orphans of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania
Hoxie Harrison Smith Foundation
Stephen Jannetta
Cathryn Kohlman
KPK Development Co, LP
Justin Land
LTM Family Foundation
Claudia Mattil
Thomas & Sarah McCabe
Thomas McCarthy
Mid Penn Bank
Velvet Miller
Tom Nerney
Ollin LLC
One Source Reps
Origlio Beverage, Inc.
George Pappas
Patriarch Family Foundation
Diane Pennetti
PharmaCadence Analytical Services, LLC
Pincus Family Foundation
Rittenhouse Foundation
Marvin Samson
Shanahan Family Foundation
Sprague Foundation, Inc.
The Comisky Family Foundation Trust
The DiBona Family Foundation
The Horner Foundation
The Solomon and Sylvia Bronstein Foundation
The Stewart Huston Charitable Trust
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
USLI
The Vanguard Group
Terrance Woodyard
Ian Wright
Zeldin Family Foundation
Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science (PACTS) is a year-round youth leadership experience, designed to involve students as an integral part of The Franklin Institute.
For more information about PACTS contact:
Carly Netting
Manager of Youth Programs
cnetting@fi.edu
215.448.2370