Williamson College of the Trades (formerly, "Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades") is a men's junior vocational college located in Middletown Township near Media, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. The school was founded on December 1, 1888, by successful Philadelphia merchant and philanthropist, Isaiah Vansant Williamson.
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History
Concept and planning
Isaiah Vansant Williamson spent the final decade of his life creating, developing and formulating plans for a new trade school for underprivileged boys to be located in a suburb of Philadelphia.
Campus
In 1889, just six days before he died, Isaiah Williamson purchased 220 acres of land to be used for the school's campus in Middletown Township, near Elwyn, Pennsylvania. Williamson personally selected the site from over 200 prospective locations. The original board of trustees, headed by chairman, John Wanamaker implemented Williamson's plans and vision for the institution following his death.
Renowned Philadelphia architect, Frank Furness won the competition to design the original campus buildings. Ground was broken for the administration building in 1890 and the school opened for classes in 1891. Most of the original buildings are still functioning as they were originally purposed. Over the decades, Williamson has maintained a rustic feel to its campus by keeping the majority of its land undeveloped. Facilities on the historic campus include:
Pennsylvania Historical Marker
In 2013, a historical marker from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission was placed near the campus' main entrance in commemoration of the school's 125th anniversary and its noteworthy architecture. The historical marker (#HM1D5B) reads:
"Founded in 1888 by philanthropist Isaiah V. Williamson to teach underprivileged young men "some trade, free of expense" via a character ~ based curriculum. With trade apprenticeships disappearing in the US in the late 19th century, it was a model in vocational education. It is the only trade school in the nation providing full scholarships to all students. The campus contains the largest existing collection of buildings designed by Frank Furness."
Historic dates
- December 1, 1888- "Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades" was founded by Isaiah Vansant Williamson
- 1957- After most of the shop buildings were destroyed by fire, four new shop buildings were constructed and became The John Wanamaker Free School of Artisans, funded by the Rodman Wanamaker estate.
- 1961- Williamson became a post-secondary institution.
- July 1, 2015- "Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades" was officially renamed "Williamson College of the Trades"
Williamson Trade School Media Pa Video
Student life
Although the vocational school subscribes to a "Judeo-Christian" belief system, and enforces a highly disciplined lifestyle, it is not affiliated with any religious organization.
Williamson is the only trade college in the country that gives all students full scholarships, covering tuition, textbooks, and room and board. The college uses its endowment to cover two-thirds of student costs each year, with the balance coming from private donations and fundraising. Neither the college nor its students accept any form of federal financial aid. Williamson College of the Trades is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.
All students are required to live on-campus throughout their three years of study. Students live in supervised dormitories, attend a daily chapel service, and follow a dress code. Students must also participate in at least one official student activity each year. Choices include: team sports, the student newspaper, and student government.
Courses are offered in the following trades:
Graduates receive an Associate's degree in their chosen field, but may opt for a diploma in Carpentry or Masonry.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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