FirstHand™

A typical FirstHand middle school student, and their class, is accompanied to our lab at 3675 Market Street by a teacher or school chaperone. Our middle school track is designed to create an early interest in STEM, supplementing the classroom experience, and exposing them to a variety of careers.

High school students travel to our lab on their own and SEPTA passes are provided. The program is the length of a semester and meets once a week for 2-hour sessions. The high school track is less curriculum-heavy and more mentor-driven, where STEM professionals engage with students in workplace simulations and more project-based activities. There are also internship and credential opportunities for high school students.

FirstHand is free to students and schools.

Middle school students come to us during the school day. High school programs are typically after school.

If you’re a middle school student and interested in participating in our programs, we suggest you speak with your teacher or principal. Our high school programs are open to all Philadelphia students.

If you have questions, you can text us at +1 (215) 826-5798 or email firsthand@sciencecenter.org. You can also follow @firsthandphilly on Instagram.

If you’re interested in becoming a new school partner, contact us to learn more. Note, students must be able to walk or take public transit to our lab at 3675 Market Street.

Our current partners include B. Anderson School, Alain Locke School, Girard College, James Rhoads School, John F. McCloskey School, KIPP West Philadelphia Prep, Martha Washington Academic Plus School, Science Leadership Academy Middle School (SLA-MS), S. Weir Mitchell Elementary School, Tilden Middle School, W.C. Longstreth School, Young Scholars Charter School. FirstHand Sprints are open to all Philadelphia high school students.