Established in 1983

Our Founders: Mathew M. Mandery, Achilles Perry and Michael A. Weiss

The Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation exists as a legacy to the vision and dedication of its founders, Mathew M. Mandery ’61, Achilles Perry ’58, and Michael Weiss ‘57. As the first alumnus to be named principal of his alma mater, Mandery was committed to the belief that there should be a way for the alumni who had reaped the benefits of Brooklyn Tech’s superior education and devoted mentoring to give back to the institution that had done so much for so many.

Bolstered by the generous support of its alumni, the Foundation has undertaken numerous projects to enhance the school’s facilities. These initiatives include the restoration of our magnificent Works Progress Administration (WPA) auditorium lobby mural, the reupholstering of the auditorium’s 3,000 Art Deco-themed seats, the expansion of the reference resources in the William L. Mack ’57 Library and the awarding of teacher grants through our Jeffrey M. Haitkin ‘62 Faculty Grant Program. As support for the Foundation continues to grow, the unprecedented achievements of its past will surely be matched or exceeded by the unlimited possibilities of its future.

View Our Historical Milestones

A need for technical education

During and immediately after the chaotic years of World War I, it became apparent that America needed to elevate the need for technical education programs from an afterthought in the scholarly world to an equal partner in the educational development of young men who chose not to follow the traditional academic route. Aware of this growing reality, Dr. Albert L. Colston, mathematics department chair at Manual Training High School, presented a paper to the Brooklyn Engineers’ Club recommending the establishment of a technical high school, with a heavy concentration in math, science, drafting, and shops for Brooklyn boys. In the spring of 1922, the New York City Board of Education approved the establishment of Brooklyn Technical High School, naming Dr. Colston as principal.

Initially established in a converted warehouse at 49 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn Tech, as it came to be affectionately known, moved to its present location at 29 Fort Greene Place, welcoming students to the new building in the fall of 1933. The curriculum consisted of two years of general studies with a technical and mechanical emphasis, followed by two years of specialization in either Technical College Prep, Architecture and Building Construction, or Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, or Structural engineering. In 1970, Tech underwent a major change when female students were admitted for the first time – a historical moment.

Today, Brooklyn Tech is a 21^st century, cutting-edge STEM powerhouse. With a diverse student population from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, Brooklyn Tech ranks 22^nd in the nation by U.S. News and World Report out of nearly 18,000 schools, and second in New York City and New York State.

For additional information about the history of this unique and dynamic institution, visit the school’s website