What you need to know

Through the generous support of alumni from the classes of 1951, 1955, 1972, and 1999, MIT faculty have resources available to launch innovative educational projects, particularly for undergraduate education. This funding is intended as seed money for new, "high risk" initiatives that encourage creative curriculum and teaching changes, improve the quality of teaching, and enrich the learning experience, including the imaginative use of technology and applications.

Typical projects have included the development of new curricula and/or instructional aids; programs to enhance teaching skills and techniques; and the incorporation of latest teaching and learning methods in such important areas as the first year, General Institute Requirements, departmental programs, experiential learning, and faculty enhancement, support, and development. Since 1994, more than 170 educational projects have received support from these alumni funds, with many of these projects bringing significant long-term educational innovation to MIT.

The Funds

  • The Class of 1951 Fund for Excellence in Education was created in 1991 to support projects that encourage creative curriculum and teaching changes across the Institute.
  • The Class of 1955 Fund for Excellence in Teaching was inspired by the Class of 1951 and established at their 40th reunion.
  • The Class of 1972 Fund for Educational Innovation was established in 1997 to promote initiatives that improve the quality of teaching and enrich the educational experience.
  • The Class of 1999 Fund for Excellence in Student Learning is focused on improving students’ learning experiences through innovative technology and applications.

Proposals are reviewed by a selection committee consisting of members of the classes of 1951, 1955, 1972, and 1999; deans from MIT's five Schools and the Schwarzman College of Computing or their designees; and the Vice Chancellor.

Apply for an Alumni Class Fund grant.

Search for recently funded projects.

For more information, email alumnifunds@mit.edu or call (617) 253-6776.