https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Cooper

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Cooper Union was founded by Peter Cooper, a prominent American industrialist, inventor, and philanthropist, in 1859. Cooper, who was largely self-educated, wanted to provide education that was accessible to the working class, believing strongly in the importance of practical education in art, engineering, and architecture.

Here are a few key aspects of Cooper Union's founding and mission:

1. Tuition-Free Education: Cooper was deeply committed to offering free education, and when Cooper Union was established, it offered full scholarships to all its students, making it one of the few institutions at the time to do so. This reflected Peter Cooper’s vision of education as a public good that should be available to all, regardless of social class or background.

2. Focus on Practical and Technical Education: Cooper Union's original mission was to provide high-quality education in engineering, architecture, and the arts. Cooper believed that the United States needed technically skilled and creative workers to thrive as an industrial and artistic nation.

3. The Great Hall: One of the institution’s most famous features is the Great Hall, which Peter Cooper intended to be a place for free speech and public discourse. It has hosted speeches by numerous notable figures, including Abraham Lincoln, who delivered his famous Cooper Union Address there in 1860, helping to bolster his profile before his election as president.

Peter Cooper's vision was one of democratic access to education, and through Cooper Union, he sought to empower individuals to develop skills that would improve their lives and contribute to society. The institution remained tuition-free for nearly 150 years until financial constraints led to the introduction of partial tuition in 2014, though it still offers significant financial aid to many students.