RPI FORWARD:
A CAMPAIGN FOR THE THIRD CENTURY
The Third Century starts now
The $1.5 billion dollar campaign is a call to action for everyone who believes that RPI is just as relevant and important now as it was in 1824.
In a world demanding new solutions to problems, the kind of inventiveness and creativity that RPI has always brought to great challenges is needed more than ever. So is the kind of education that produces young people confident enough to try a new approach and to spur the next scientific or technological advance to benefit humanity.
As we enter our third century, we have a bold vision for the future and a clear roadmap to get there. Our new strategic plan, RPI Forward, will guide us in becoming a learning community, taking a leadership role in the development of our region, and reshaping the role of a research university in the world.”
Martin A. Schmidt ’81, Ph.D.
19th President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
As we enter our third century, we have a bold vision for the future and a clear roadmap to get there. Our new strategic plan, RPI Forward, will guide us in becoming a learning community, taking a leadership role in the development of our region, and reshaping the role of a research university in the world.”
Martin A. Schmidt ’81, Ph.D.
19th President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
OUR CAMPAIGN PILLARS
To achieve this vision, we are beginning with urgent near-term priorities that require launching the second $750 million phase of a $1.5 billion campaign. This campaign will allow us to take advantage of the opportunities in front of us and position us for third-century success. The campaign has four key pillars:
Strengthening and Extending Education
We will expand access and affordability to attract a broad spectrum of students from around the globe, regardless of means and traditional expectations. We will deliver an unrivaled student experience that meets students where they are, guides them through a transformational moment in their lives, and delivers them into the world as change agents.
Scaling Research Excellence
Deepening Community and Partnerships
Beyond the campus, RPI’s star will rise as the Capital Region rises—indeed, as the Hudson Valley, the Mohawk Region, and all of Upstate New York rises. So, we will seek out and convene those partnerships in the region that will drive growth. That means working with local and state governments to envision our future together.
Rebuilding Our Campus to Achieve Our Goals
It is time for a once-in-generation investment in our infrastructure, without which growth is not possible. We need a new space for our nationally ranked Department of Computer Science and other facilities, such as a childcare facility, on-campus incubator, updated classrooms, and renovated venues for athletics and recreation.
CAMPAIGN GOALS
As we launch the second phase of the campaign, we hope to secure:
$240M
IN SUPPORT OF SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP
Support for students starts with increasing our support of undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to continue to meet Stephen Van Rensselaer’s ambitious challenge.
$240M
IN SUPPORT OF SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP
Support for students starts with increasing our support of undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to continue to meet Stephen Van Rensselaer’s ambitious challenge.
$240M
IN SUPPORT OF TEACHING AND RESEARCH
To expand support for innovative instruction and the growth of the research enterprise, we must increase the number of endowed tenure track positions, add newly created teaching track positions, grow the number of graduate students engaged in research labs, and create funds to support newly hired faculty in our key research areas.
$240M
IN SUPPORT OF TEACHING AND RESEARCH
To expand support for innovative instruction and the growth of the research enterprise, we must increase the number of endowed tenure track positions, add newly created teaching track positions, grow the number of graduate students engaged in research labs, and create funds to support newly hired faculty in our key research areas.
$140M
IN SUPPORT OF RENEWING CAMPUS FACILITIES
RPI needs to invest in its physical infrastructure to prepare for our third century. Priorities for this will include an upgraded Computer Science facility, an update and expansion of the Houston Field House, a childcare center, and updated classrooms and laboratories across campus.
$140M
IN SUPPORT OF RENEWING CAMPUS FACILITIES
RPI needs to invest in its physical infrastructure to prepare for our third century. Priorities for this will include an upgraded Computer Science facility, an update and expansion of the Houston Field House, a childcare center, and updated classrooms and laboratories across campus.
$50M
in support of the student experience through student athletics and activities
We will secure funds to enhance the student experience with support for our intercollegiate athletic programs and our more than 200 student organizations.
$50M
in support of the student experience through student athletics and activities
We will secure funds to enhance the student experience with support for our intercollegiate athletic programs and our more than 200 student organizations.
$80M
in general institutional support
$80M
in general institutional support
Over the course of the campaign, we know that priorities will arise, and good ideas will present themselves that are not defined in this plan. One of our highest priorities is to grow annual giving at RPI. Whether it’s funding scholarships, enhancing student programs, or supporting faculty excellence, your annual support sustains RPl’s mission and strengthens its future. We will secure both unrestricted funds in support of these efforts and restricted gifts to support new initiatives.
Please join us!
There are many ways to participate in these ambitious efforts:
MAKE A GIFT
Join us by supporting our efforts with a philanthropic gift and help us realize our vision for the future of RPI.
ATTEND AN EVENT
Engaging with our alumni community through any of our numerous programs, events, and activities.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Supporting networking, recruitment, placement, and partnership opportunities.
SHARE YOUR PRIDE
Serve as a brand ambassador to proudly represent RPI in your community.