Membership Information

A vibrant organization of more than 1,800 individuals, the Caltech Associates has proudly supported Caltech's pioneering research and education since 1926. Your membership directly supports aspiring scientists and engineers who are creating new knowledge, leading innovation, and shaping a better future for us all.

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.

Read more about what your dues support.

Participate in the exclusive Associates Travel Program, designed for the intellectually curious traveler who enjoys unique experiences and often first-class amenities. Each destination is enhanced by a trip leader from the Caltech faculty whose expertise will deepen your understanding of sciences, engineering or technology associated with your locale. We work with premiere travel companies to design expeditions, preparing itineraries that also incorporate the history and culture of each area. This frequently includes behind-the-scenes access to observatories, museums, entertainment and local amenities. Trips vary in length and include everything from day trips to exotic, bucket-list locations. Select trips are only available to President's Circle members. You can upgrade your membership at any time to access these and other President's Circle opportunities.

Invitations to approximately 20 Associates events and programs each year feature thought-provoking speakers and topics. Reflecting upon our members' busy schedules, diverse events include lunch and dinner programs, behind-the-scenes tours of typically inaccessible labs and clean rooms, and much more. Also on the agenda: conversations and panel discussions of forward-leaning ideas—from the future of driverless cars to early cancer detection, to quantum computing, to various aspects of artificial intelligence.

Be among the first to hear Caltech's breaking news. Whenever possible, VIP seating is reserved for Associates at press conferences, Nobel Prize announcements, and special lectures announcing Caltech's many important discoveries.

Become part of a dynamic intellectual community. With more than 1,750 members, the Caltech Associates program, produced on campus in Pasadena and in New York City, Northern California, Orange County/San Diego, and West Los Angeles, fosters lifelong friendships and a sense of community among those who are lifelong learners. All regional programs are open to all Associates.

Your membership dollars seed high-impact and directly benefit scientists and students. Many members choose to deepen their involvement at Caltech, fueling research they feel passionate about. Your tax-deductible membership dollars support the future of science, engineering, and technology.

Enjoy access to campus resources such as Caltech's library (weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm), the Braun Athletic Center, and Institute's historic private club, The Athenaeum.

Associates members are also invited to join the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union, offering exceptional financial services, and the Caltech Women's Club.

Special reserved seating is also offered to Associates at a wide range of campus programs, including the renowned Watson Lecture Series. You can also access discounted tickets for Caltech Live! performing arts programs and unique speaker series often accessible via webinars you can experience from the comfort of your own home.

The history of The Athenaeum is closely tied to the Caltech Associates. It was built with funds donated by Allan and Janet Balch, founding members of the Associates, and was conceived as a gathering place—a hearthstone—for the Associates, the faculty, and other members of the Caltech community. Since the Associates' first formal dinner in January 1931—held to honor visiting professor Albert Einstein—The Athenaeum has hosted countless memorable events.

On occasions both formal and informal, the club has welcomed the spirited intellectual community of which the Associates are such an important part. Growing only more beautiful with time and restoration, The Athenaeum continues to be an icon of the enduring partnership between the Associates and the Institute.

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 deemed 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.

Ambassador and President's Circle level memberships are renewable and may be paid in up to four quarterly installments.

*Required for those unaffiliated with Caltech who would like to host their wedding at The Athenaeum. This membership level is paid in full prior to booking, is nonrefundable, and does not renew after the ceremony.

Ambassador

• Invitations to programs and events that feature Caltech faculty, including luncheons, dinners, field trips, off-campus events, and regional events held in Northern California, West L.A., Orange County, and NYC.
• Eligibility to join The Athenaeum, Caltech's Braun Athletic Facilities and recreation programs, the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union, and the Caltech Women's Club.
• VIP tickets for two at the Watson Lecture series and specific public events at Beckman Auditorium.
• $5 discount to Caltech Live! special performances.
• A 10% discount at the Caltech Bookstore (excludes textbooks, photo processing, and tickets).

President's Circle

All the features of Ambassador, plus:

• Invitations to the annual President's Circle Garden Party held at the home of Caltech's President and other special events hosted by Caltech's President.
• Priority registration for select Associates events.
• Priority registration for select Associates travel opportunities.
• VIP tickets for four at the Watson Lecture series and specific public events at Beckman Auditorium.
• VIP lounge access during specific ticketed Beckman Auditorium events.

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.

Associates Membership No Solicitation Statement

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.