Brooklyn Tech's History

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THE STORY OF TECH
Part I

It got started, this school of ours, in an idea, and all because a man
dreamed a dream and saw a vision. He realized a need, had faith in a
cause, and persevered.

Dr. Albert L. Colston, engineer, educator, saw the need of keeping pace
in education with the intricate industrial system of the day. About
1916, he contemplated a change in the curriculum at Manual Training
High School, where he was then chairman of the Mathematics
Department.

A technical course of study, planned by Dr. Colston and started at
Manual Training High School in the spring of 1919.

In May, 1922, the Board of Education decided to organize a technical
high school on the basis of the course at Manual. In June, Dr. Colston
was nominated Principal of the new school. A loft building at Flatbush
Avenue Extension and Concord Street was purchased and remodeled.
On September 11, 1922, the Brooklyn Technical High School opened
its doors, with an enrollment of over 2400.

In November, 1925, the Board of Superintendents reconunended the
acquisition of the present site for a new building.

In September, 1930, ground was broken by Mayor Walker. Thirteen
months later the cornerstone was laid.

In September, 1933, part of the new building was ready for occupancy,
and about six hundred students began work there. As more rooms were
equipped, pupils were transferred from the old building and the
annexes. Finally, in June, 1935, the old building was closed, and the
new building has continued at Fort Greene Place to this day. (Helen
W. Cooley, 1964)

Since then, Brooklyn Tech’s reputation for excellence has continually
grown. In 1944, Tech published the first literary-art magazine for a
technical school. In 1970, the first female students were admitted;
today, over 30+ years later the present female population is about 2000.

THE STORY OF TECH
Part II

Tech’s outstanding record of achievement is mirrored in its Alumni
Hall of Fame. Alumni have achieved success in every sector of society -
including two Members of Congress - and the Hall of Fame which
includes two Nobel Prize winners, an astronaut, inventors, an Olympic
medalist and recognized leaders of industry and commerce. Last year’s
graduating class added to the School’s 78-year excellent reputation;
98.4% entered four year colleges, while being offered more than
$40,000,000 in scholarships and grants.

With an ethical foundation throughout the curriculum, students are
prepared to succeed at the most competitive colleges and universities.
Each year, over 150 such institution visit Tech’s College Fair to
recruit the graduates who will become academic, business and
community leaders for the 21st century.

At Brooklyn Tech the pursuit of excellence doesn’t stop when the class
day ends at 3:00 pm. Tech offers students the opportunity for personal
growth with an extensive extracurricular program. Tech students
compete on more than 50 athletic teams, including 22 boy’s and girl’s
varsity team sports, as well as golf, bowling, tennis, fencing, softball,
ultimate frisbee, handball, and swimming in the School’s pool. The
Tech faculty serve as advisors to more than 100 clubs and
organizations, including publications, debate, music, theater, cultural
and ethnic group, radio, National Honor Societies, language clubs, and
even the Civil Air Patrol. Recognition at the city, state and national
level is commensurate with the high profile of the student body.

Now as the incoming Class of 2005 arrives, Brooklyn Tech, through
its CARETECH Initiative, is continuing to meet the challenge:
computers are being upgraded, basic research labs are being refitted, a
newly constructed athletic facility is scheduled for completion during
the Fall 2001 and the eight story city block building in downtown
Brooklyn’s historic Fort Greene is being networked to the Internet.
Brooklyn Tech has moved from the slide rule era into the computer age
and will confidently continue to enhance its reputation as one of the
nation’s most innovative and successful high schools.