Caltech Associates

For nearly 100 years, the Caltech Associates have helped propel Caltech's mission of discovery while forging lifelong connections between like-minded members.

Breakthroughs begin at Caltech because it is a different kind of institution—one where a small community of top scientists, engineers, and students pursue creative ideas wherever they lead. As a member of the Caltech Associates, you can take part in supporting research that will change the world.

Membership in the Caltech Associates is an entrance into the community of the Institute. You are an investor in discovery simply by joining the Associates.

All Associates membership funds are tax-deductible charitable contributions and impact Caltech's top research and educational priorities. The Associates provide the valuable unrestricted support that fuels the early stages of innovative research projects, a hallmark of the Institute. Their continued support allows Caltech to explore new frontiers and to push the boundaries of knowledge.

Albert Einstein standing with a group of people

Photographed at the Athenaeum in 1931, in the front row are three Nobel Prize winners who were essential to the Institute's early success: A. A. Michelson, Albert Einstein, and Robert A. Millikan. Back row: Walter S. Adams, Walther Mayer, and Max Ferrrand.

Membership in the Caltech Associates is an entrance into the community of the Institute. All Associates membership funds are tax-deductible charitable contributions and impact Caltech's top research and educational priorities.

Nearly a century after its founding, the Associates continue to provide the valuable unrestricted support that fuels the early stages of innovative research projects, a hallmark of the Institute. Our continued support allows Caltech to explore new frontiers and to push the boundaries of knowledge.

Caltech Associates members have access to exclusive in-person and virtual events featuring Caltech faculty and alumni presenting their most recent findings. Membership is also a passport to unique travel opportunities in fascinating destinations with faculty guides.

Events

Travel

Photo of the entrance of the Caltech Athenaeum

The Caltech Athenaeum, designed by architect Gordon B. Kaufmann and funded by Associates Mr. and Mrs. Allan C. Balch, was conceived by renowned astronomer and Caltech trustee George Ellery Hale as a gathering place for the Associates, faculty, and staff to promote the exchange of ideas in science, art, and literature. It continues this tradition today and offers dining facilities, guest rooms, lounges, tennis courts, and other amenities for members.

Joining the Caltech Associates opens the doors to the Caltech community. In addition to exclusive events and travel invitations, Associates members are afforded access to campus facilities and resources.

Associates are eligible for membership at The Athenaeum, the Institute's storied private club, which confers reciprocal admission to other premier clubs worldwide, and the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union, offering exceptional financial services.

You may join the Braun Athletic Center, with 3,500 square feet of weight and cardiovascular equipment, swimming pools, tennis and racquetball courts, and even a climbing wall. Associates also have weekday access to Caltech's library and may join the Caltech Women's Club.

Membership funds provide unrestricted support for high-priority initiatives and allow Caltech researchers to take smart risks—focused on making meaningful breakthroughs in science, technology, engineering, and medicine—to improve the lives of people all over the world.

After nearly a century, the Associates' collective support has helped make Caltech a global leader in research and education. You can be a part of this history and help shape the future of Caltech with your philanthropic investment.

Membership information

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It's always inspiring to get an insider's look into the groundbreaking, leading-edge projects and to hear directly from the researchers with marvelous, lively Q&A sessions. We also love the travel program: Rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon was a trip of a lifetime. My husband, Chi-Fu Huang, and I feel truly fortunate to be part of the Associates.

—

Marina Chen (MS '80, PhD '83)

West Los Angeles

Group photo of Tracy Fu, Adam Weirman, Marina Chen, Chi-Fu Huang

Pictured from left to right: Tracy Fu, Professor Adam Weirman, Marina Chen, Chi-Fu Huang