2008 PACT Program Application (click the picture to be directed to the application)

Pathways and Access to Careers in Technology (PACT) Summer Program

The PACT Program began in July of 2006 by the Land Grant Program of Kentucky State University.  It was developed to motivate high-achieving middle school students to pursue careers in technology, science, mathematics, and related fields of study.  The program is based upon a Problem-Based Learning Curriculum¹ that encourages critical thinking and enhances interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. 

Students are primarily recruited from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky to participate in this free, one-week, residential program.  To participate in the program, a student must have completed the 5^th, 6^th, or 7^th grades by June of 2007. Each student must also complete and/or submit an application, a 200-250 word essay (see application for essay topics), and a report card from the most recently completed grade.  Acceptance to the PACT Program is highly-competitive and focuses on academic achievement, writing fluency, and classroom etiquette as reported by citizenship marks on student report cards.

Learning from Wes at the Environmental Education Center!

Program Goals and Objectives

The PACT Program is designed for participants to:

• Gain exposure to career opportunities related to technology within the areas of science and math.
• Increase confidence levels in their ability to master concepts in science, math, and technology.
• Gain hands-on experience creating alternate sources of energy and experiment with other scientific models.
• Visit regional sites that use high-functioning technology in the areas of math and science.
• Interact with local and regional professionals with expertise in science, technology, mathematics, and more

Gearing up for the Asbury Challenge Course!

Program Format

Each child will remain in an assigned group according to grade level throughout the week.  Every grade level will participate in workshops and activities that are appropriate based on age and grade level completed.  The workshops have been either selected or created in alignment with benchmarks² defined by the Commonwealth’s State Department of Education.  Students are expected to have grade level mastery in math, science, computer literacy, and language arts to successfully participate in PACT workshops and activities.

The 2007 PACT Summer Program will focus on some of the technological and economic development challenges faced by some rural Kentucky communities.  Each grade level will be assigned a challenge faced within the Commonwealth.  They will be guided through library and field research to offer solutions to the specified challenge.  Workshops and field trips will provide them with information for their research.  By week’s end students will be able to describe the challenge and offer a solution to it based upon their library and field research.  The final conclusions will be presented during the culminating banquet on Saturday, the final program day.

Student preparing rocket for launch!

PACT Staff                       

The staff of the PACT Program has been selected from across the nation.   This staff includes educators who work full-time during the academic year.  These highly-skilled educators are hired by PACT to perform lead-teacher duties.  They are assisted by approximately 5 counselors who are university students majoring in science, math, computer science, or education.  The purpose of such a staff is to surround PACT participants with caring adults who are knowledgeable about the subject area and enthusiastic about education.  

• Mandatory Staff Training- conducted by Ms. Mary Fant, State Specialist of Child, Youth, Family Development and Management
  • Team building activities
  • Understanding the child: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Erikson’s Physiological-Social Theory, Basic Needs of the Teenager
  • Professionalism
  • Effective Communication Strategies
  • Conflict Resolution and Management- What to Avoid
  • Administrative Issues