Franklin W Olin College of Engineering

Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering stands as a unique private institution dedicated to revolutionizing engineering education. Unlike traditional colleges, Olin was specifically designed from the ground up to foster an innovative, project-based learning environment, attracting students passionate about making a real-world impact through collaborative, interdisciplinary work.

Olin's fascinating origin story traces back to the F. W. Olin Foundation, established in 1997 with the mission of perpetuating Franklin W. Olin's legacy. Concerned about fulfilling Mr. Olin's long-held desire to start a new institution, the foundation made the bold decision to create an entire college. By 2005, the foundation had channeled the majority of its substantial financial resources, providing an initial endowment of approximately $460 million, which has since grown to an impressive $0.5 billion. R. May Lee currently serves as its president.

From its inception, Olin prioritized student involvement in shaping its academic experience. Through the groundbreaking "Invention 2000" program, the college hired its inaugural faculty and invited 30 pioneering students, known as "Olin Partners," to actively participate in forming the curriculum, experimenting with teaching methods, and establishing the vibrant student culture. This collaborative spirit led to the admission of its first full class of 75 students in 2002, ultimately growing to a close-knit community of about 390 students today. The campus itself, designed in a postmodern style, emphasizes community and innovation, sharing various services including health, public safety, and athletic facilities with nearby Babson College.