Design, Build, Operate, and Maintain. These are the four steps to building and maintaining a successful robot, and the first lesson of the PACTS Robotics workshops. We have three areas of robot workshops, one is designed for middle school students, the other is geared to high school students and our last robot program we call special projects.  Students meet weekly to put their designs into action. They also prepare for competition as well as museum wide and community events to show cases their work.

PACTS Programming

Science in the city is a program that helps young adolescents explore cities through the aspects of modern architecture to determine how these structures affect them and their neighborhood.

Science Investigators covers a broad range of topics over the course of the year. Some of the topics include forensic investigation, app design, and hydroponics. The students have the opportunity to perform science projects, and go on field trips related to the topic of study.

Extraordinary PACTS students are invited to join our team of Explainers, who work in the museum as junior staff members. Explainers act as peer leaders and mentors to the students in the various areas of the PACTS program. They also participate in youth development seminars, participate in community volunteer events, and maintain the PACTS Laboratory. Explainers have a great reputation at The Franklin Institute and are invited to collaborate with other Institute departments toco-host events inside and outside the museum.

Not just another after-school or weekend program, PACTS is a youth leadership experience designed to involve students as an integral and active part of the daily life of The Franklin Institute. Students who continue in PACTS through high school graduation have the skills and confidence to be successful college students and become dynamic, productive adults with engaging careers in science and beyond.

The PACTS Program is available to Philadelphia area students in grades 6 through 8. The PACTS workshops meet on Saturday mornings, twice a month 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 science!

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.

Exploring STEM in California Trip
Inspired by the creativity and innovation featured throughout The Franklin Institute’s recent special exhibition The Science Behind Pixar, three Philadelphia students traveled to San Francisco, California this past summer to experience a five-day whirlwind STEM education tour. 

Learn More

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

The PACTS Program is generously funded through the support of:

David and Hallee Adelman
Mr. and Mrs.* Daniel Amoroso
Apex Mortgage Company
ASD Specialty Healthcare, Inc.
Mr. Peter A. Benoliel and Ms. Willo Carey
Simon M. Blake 
The Solomon and Sylvia Bronstein Foundation
Chubb
Cigna
The Dow Chemical Company
EMD Performance Materials Corp.
GlaxoSmithKline
Pietro and Elvira Giorgi Foundation 
The Hamilton Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. Havens
Holman Automotive Group Inc.
Hoxie Harrison Smith Foundation 
Kinder Morgan Foundation 
The William M. King Charitable Foundation
Josephine Klein
Lincoln Financial Group
Macy's
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. McCabe IV
Tom and Linda McCarthy
Merck & Co., Inc.
Mole Street Productions, LCC
The MOSI Foundation
Mrs. John P. Mulroney
Novo Nordisk
Bill and Donna Oliver
Rita D. Oliver
Patriarch Family Foundation
Peter S. Mozino Foundation
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Pietro and Elvira Giorgi Foundation
Pincus Family Foundation
PwC
SAP America, Inc.
The Scholler Foundation 
H. David Seegul and Barbara Mozino Seegul
Jessie G. S. Simpson Charitable Trust
Teva Pharmaceuticals
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey 
United Way of Midland County
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Wells Fargo
Herman O. West Foundation
Zeldin Family Foundation 

*Deceased