Membership Information

Caltech's mission to "expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education" has produced world-changing advances in biology and medicine, environmental health and safety, energy production, robotics, space exploration, computing, quantum science, and many other fields. Faculty and students collaborate across disciplines to pursue bold ideas and early-stage research that can lead to major breakthroughs.

As an Associate, your membership gift contributes unrestricted funds to support the people, equipment, and facilities that make discovery possible.

Since the organization's founding in 1926, Associates members have given more than $2.5 billion to Caltech, and more than $75 million in annual membership gifts alone. Their generosity has enabled the Institute to literally redefine the outlines of the universe as we know it. Researchers here designed high-speed aircraft, devised the scale for measuring earthquakes, discovered the smallest unit of matter, determined the age of Earth, detected and defined the effects of lead poisoning, developed a method to map the human genome, and deployed rovers to explore Mars.

Attend exclusive programs with Caltech faculty sharing their latest research. These occasions include fine dining, lively conversation, and insightful presentations on the frontiers of science.

Embark on first-class adventures to fascinating locations with faculty members as your guides. Our trip itineraries often include private tours and exclusive access not usually available to the public.

Associates are eligible to join the Athenaeum, which offers a range of hospitality services, including upscale dining, cocktail lounges, boutique hotel accommodations, bespoke event planning, and reciprocal benefits to other private clubs worldwide.

Associates may also join the Institute's Braun Athletic Center, comprising 3,500 square feet of weight and cardiovascular equipment, swimming pools, and tennis and racquetball courts. Individual and family memberships are available.

Take advantage of the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union's very competitive rates for automotive and real estate loans, personal loans, financing for recreational vehicles, and savings accounts with dividends that typically outperform certificates of deposit.

Associates members may access the Library's collections on-site Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (excluding holidays).

The Women's Club promotes friendship and the sharing of mutual interests. The Club offers activities, events, and volunteer opportunities.

Associates may reserve preferred seats for Watson Lectures and other public events at Beckman Auditorium. You'll also enjoy a discount on tickets to select campus events and most merchandise at the Caltech Store.

$4,000 annually

• Invitations to Associates events and trips featuring Caltech faculty. Regional events are held in Pasadena, Orange County, West Los Angeles, Northern California, and New York.
• Eligibility to join the Athenaeum, Braun Athletic Center, the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union, and the Caltech Women's Club and to access the Sherman Fairchild Library.
• VIP tickets for two to Watson Lectures and other select public events at Beckman Auditorium.
• Discount on tickets to Caltech Live! special performances.
• A 10% discount at the Caltech Store (excludes textbooks, photo processing, and tickets).

$10,000 or more annually

• All features of Ambassador membership
• Invitations to the President's Circle Garden Party held at the presidential residence and other special events hosted by Caltech's president.
• Priority registration for select Associates events.
• Priority registration for Associates travel opportunities.
• VIP tickets for four to Watson Lectures and other select events at Beckman Auditorium.
• VIP lounge access at select events at Beckman Auditorium.

$3,000 (one-time)

• Required for those unaffiliated with Caltech as a prerequisite for hosting their wedding at the Athenaeum.
• Paid in full prior to booking.
• Non-refundable and non-renewable.
• Wedding members enjoy Ambassador membership features for one year.
• Although this level does not renew, Wedding members may choose to continue their membership at the Ambassador or President's Circle levels at the end of the year.

Your tax-deductible membership contribution is considered an unrestricted gift to Caltech that is allocated towards Caltech's top priorities in research and education as determined by the Institute's president and provost.

All gifts of cash and appreciated securities are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by the law. Corporate matching gifts are gladly accepted.

At the heart of Caltech is its Honor Code, that "no member of the Caltech community shall take unfair advantage of any other member of the Caltech community." This principle has defined campus life for over a century. Fidelity to the Honor Code strengthens our bonds built on mutual respect and trust. It is a simple idea with far-reaching implications.

This code of ethics applies to the entire Caltech community, including students, staff, faculty, alumni, and members of the Caltech Associates.

The Associates online membership directory is designed as a tool for members to make connections and build friendships. At no time should the Associates membership directory be used by anyone for commercial, personal financial gain, or charitable purposes. It is also prohibited for members to share the Associates directory with non-members.

Uninvited solicitation of fellow Associates members for personal business opportunities, fundraising, to join other organizations, to promote religious or political causes, for the distribution of unsolicited marketing materials, or the posting of any notices or advertisements is prohibited.