The Founding of Cooper Union: A Vision for Free Education
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has been a leader in American education since its founding in 1859. At the heart of the school's mission is its commitment to providing tuition-free education to its students. This vision was established by its founder, Peter Cooper, who believed that everyone should have access to the same opportunities, regardless of their background or financial means. Born in 1791 in New York City, Peter Cooper grew up poor and without formal education. Nevertheless, he went on to become a successful businessman and inventor, with notable contributions like the invention of the first American steam-powered locomotive. Throughout his life, Cooper remained committed to social justice and equal access to education. In 1853, he decided to turn his vision into reality by creating the Cooper Union, a place where education and innovation could thrive, free of cost.The Early Years of Cooper Union: A Catalyst for Innovation
The early years of the Cooper Union were marked by an intense focus on science and engineering. The school's curriculum was designed to provide students with a practical education that would prepare them for careers in industry and technology. This emphasis on practicality and innovation made Cooper Union a catalyst for some of the most important technological advancements of the 19th and 20th centuries. One of the most notable achievements of Cooper Union was the development of the first successful American submarine, the USS Holland. The submarine was designed and built by John Philip Holland, a former teacher at the school, and was commissioned by the US Navy in 1900. This achievement demonstrated the school's commitment to applied research and innovation and helped establish it as a leading institution in the field of engineering.Cooper Union Today: A Legacy of Activism and Education
The Cooper Union has continued to evolve and adapt over the past century, while remaining true to its core values of education, innovation, and social justice. Today, the school has expanded its curriculum to include a wide range of programs in art, architecture, and the humanities, in addition to its traditional focus on engineering and science. Despite its growth and success, Cooper Union has faced challenges in recent years. In 2014, the school announced that it would begin charging tuition for the first time in over 150 years. This decision was met with widespread protest from students, faculty, and alumni, who saw it as a betrayal of the school's founding principles. However, even in the face of adversity, the Cooper Union community has remained committed to its mission of providing a high-quality education to all students, regardless of their financial background. From its humble beginnings in 1859 to its current status as a world-renowned institution, the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has remained a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations of students.