Creating meaningful experiences where students can connect, grow, and thrive.
“The Student Experience is a vital part of Rensselaer’s undergraduate and graduate experience. Through ongoing support, guidance, and co-curricular activities, we connect students to a network of faculty, staff, and other students, ensuring they are part of a strong community of learners. Your generosity directly impacts the programs and initiatives where students study, socialize, seek support, and practice self-care.“
Robert D. Hradsky, Ed.D.
Vice Provost for the Student Experience
Explore Our Featured Funds:
Student Experience Excellence Fund
Addresses the emerging needs that foster success and enrich the everyday lives of all RPI students, regardless of their academic major. Managed by the Vice Provost for the Student Experience, this fund will support innovative programs and provide the essential resources for students to thrive personally and academically. Funds may be allocated to:
- Programs that support student health and well-being
- Initiatives that enhance social and cross-cultural skills, fostering greater awareness and understanding while helping students engage in meaningful conversations with their peers
- Enhancements to experiential learning and leadership opportunities
- Creating inclusive programming and spaces for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, First-generation, neurodiverse, and other marginalized student communities
Inclusive Excellence Fund
Supports and advances meaningful resources for LGBTQ+ students and other historically underrepresented communities, helping to create a campus environment that is welcoming, affirming, and enriching. This fund also enhances intersectional programming that reflects and respects the diverse experiences of the RPI community.
Student Relief Fund (Undergraduate & Graduate)
Offers emergency financial support to RPI students experiencing unexpected hardships that may jeopardize their ability to remain enrolled. Funds may be allocated to:
- Emergency travel expenses due to family crisis or urgent needs
- Medical bills not covered by insurance
- Replacement of essential academic supplies or personal items
Student Access Fund
Expands access for students facing financial barriers, strengthening RPI’s commitment to equity and belonging. By covering out-of pocket costs for activities, events, and student organizations, the fund ensures every student can fully engage in the RPI experience. Funds may be allocated to:
- Dues for student activities (fraternity/sororities, honor societies, etc.)
- Study abroad, internship, or co-op expenses
- Club sports travel expenses or out-of-pocket equipment costs
- Expenses for events or for tickets to a game or show
Other Priority Programs
Bridge
For over 30 years, the Bridge Scholars Program has allowed entering students to participate in rigorous academic instruction and to develop the skills necessary for academic and personal success at Rensselaer. Help us continue the tradition of providing an exemplary Rensselaer education to talented underrepresented students.
I-PERSIST (Integrative Program for Education, Research, and Support Involving Science and Technology)
A collaboration between the School of Science and Division of Student Life, this program is designed for first-year students registered for Calculus I, Chemistry I or Physics I during the fall semester of their first year at RPI. Students are assigned into small groups, and sessions are run by an undergraduate student mentor, with a focus on skill-building and subject-specific academic support.
Food Pantry
RPI’s Student Food Pantry offers non-perishables to supplement all undergraduate and graduate primary food sources. Gifts allow us to purchase more wants and needs for the pantry and expand operating hours.
NRB Scholarships
Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond (NRB) provides opportunities for incoming first-year students to meet their classmates and bond through different overnight trips around the region. With your support, many students who are unable to cover the out-of-pocket cost of these trips will be able to experience this fun and enjoyable opportunity as they begin their undergraduate career.
Archer Center
The Mary Jane and Hugh M. Archer ’37 Center for Student Leadership Development (ACSLD) empowers the Rensselaer community through interactive, reflective experiences that cultivate lifelong leadership. By promoting engagement and skill-building, ACSLD inspires ethical, inclusive, and critical leaders to address global challenges.
C+CC
The Chapel + Cultural Center (C+CC) is a dynamic and inclusive facility designed to foster connections between diverse communities. With roots in the Catholic tradition, the C+CC embraces and encourages the participation of people from all faiths and backgrounds, making the C+CC a truly inclusive and welcoming space.
