PACTS

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.

Apply to the PACTS Program

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

Donate Now

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

PACTS

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.

Apply to the PACTS Program

For more information about PACTS contact:
Carly Netting
Manager of Youth Programs
cnetting@fi.edu
215.448.2370