Pratt is described as an institute, an experience, and an idea. What began as a radical experiment to expand access to creative careers has evolved into a community of 5,137 graduate and undergraduate students across 48 programs, supported by 1,200 dedicated faculty members. With a history spanning 135 years, Pratt represents a long-standing educational institution.
In 1887, during a period of rapid industrialization, New York City required new approaches to adapt to a changing economy. Charles Pratt, who strongly believed in the transformative power of education, set out on a mission to provide affordable college education to students regardless of class, color, or gender.
Early graduates of Pratt—including architects, engineers, and dressmakers—studied their disciplines alongside the liberal arts, gaining a broad understanding of the world that informed their chosen professions.
Pratt remains centered on its original 25-acre campus in Brooklyn, now recognized as a vibrant cultural hub where artists, makers, and creative thinkers converge. Its presence has expanded into Manhattan and across New York State, yet its Brooklyn roots continue to shape its identity and its engagement with surrounding communities.
The institution’s commitment to meaningful work and global impact remains as relevant today as it was at its founding. In light of contemporary challenges such as climate change, equity, and justice, there is a growing need for innovative thinking and leadership to navigate the future.
At Pratt, efforts are focused on developing such leaders. Faculty members encourage students to challenge existing norms and devise solutions to real-world problems. The institute is home to several impact-driven centers that advance innovation in areas including community development, sustainable fashion, robotics, and data visualization.
Looking ahead, Pratt continues its pursuit of ideas that can shape the future. The institution aims to broaden access to emerging fields and lifelong career opportunities, with the goal of equipping students with the knowledge and experience needed to contribute to a better world.
Although Pratt was established in 1887, the land on which its campus stands has a much longer history. It is located on Lenapehoking, the traditional and unceded homeland of the Lenape people, acknowledging the communities that existed there long before the founding of the United States.
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