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:
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
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