Pratt Institute, located in Brooklyn, New York, was established in the year 1887 by Charles Pratt with the ambitious aim of providing affordable college education to all students, irrespective of their class, color, or gender. With the changing economic scenario during that period, Charles Pratt recognized the necessity of education to help individuals adapt to the industrializing economy. From its inception, the institute has been open to students from various disciplines, including architecture, engineering, and dressmaking, emphasizing a well-rounded education that combines specialized skills with a broad understanding of the liberal arts.
Today, Pratt continues to uphold its founding principles, being home to a diverse community of artists, makers, and creative minds. The Institute is rooted in its original 25-acre campus in Brooklyn, a place buzzing with rich cultural activities. Its network now extends into Manhattan and other parts of New York state. As the institute has grown, its core values have remained intact, especially its commitment to addressing real-world challenges such as climate change, equity, and justice through education and innovative thinking.
Pratt Institute now harbors a thriving community of over 5,000 graduate and undergraduate students engaged in 48 different programs, mentored by a dedicated faculty of 1,200 members. The institution has evolved over 135 years into a vibrant educational community that strives to provide its students with the knowledge and experience needed to create a better world. The institute embodies the idea of Pratt's that of an experience and an idea committed to fostering the creative leaders of tomorrow.