Texas Institute of Technology and Science

Texas Institute Of Technology and Science
TypePrivate University
EstablishedDecember 13, 2023
FounderElon Musk
Location,
United States

Texas Institute of Technology and Science (TITS) is a proposal by Elon Musk to open a university in Austin, Texas.[1][2]

Background

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Musk's personal views include frequent criticism of the American education system.[3][4] In 2014, he founded Astra Nova School (then Ad Astra School) after pulling his five sons out of school because he disapproved of the curriculum, and how it was presented.[4]

In October 2021, Musk tweeted that he would start a new university named Texas Institute of Technology and Science, which corresponds to the acronym TITS.[5][6][7] Musk added, "it will have epic merch, universally admired".[5] The name, specifically the acronym, was criticized as sexist.[5]

Initial funding

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In December 2023, tax records revealed that Musk had donated $100 million to a new foundation, "The Foundation", set up to create a primary and secondary school focused on teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects.[8][9] The foundation included plans to expand the project to the university level accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.[8] In 2022, Musk allocated Tesla, Inc. stock valued at $2.2 billion to The Foundation, as reported by Bloomberg.[2]

According to the report, the university intends to be tuition-free, but may consider offering need-based scholarships in the future.[10] The university is expected to receive funding primarily through donations.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "Elon Musk Says Planning to Open 'Texas Institute of Technology & Science'". News18. October 30, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Karlis, Michael. "Texas billionaire Elon Musk launching new university in Austin, according to filing". San Antonio Current. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  3. ^ "Learn About Elon Musk's Views On Education". InsideEVs. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Elon Musk Criticizes Boring Education System, This Is How It Should Be". VOI - Waktunya Merevolusi Pemberitaan. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Bhattacharya, Ananya (November 1, 2021). "In one tweet, Elon Musk captures the everyday sexism faced by women in STEM". Quartz. Archived from the original on November 1, 2021.
  6. ^ Brodkin, Jon (December 15, 2021). "Tesla sexual harassment lawsuits multiply as 6 more women sue Musk-led firm". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021.
  7. ^ Siddiqui, Faiz (November 19, 2021). "A Tesla factory worker alleges sexual harassment is rampant in a rare lawsuit. Now other women are stepping forward". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021.
  8. ^ a b Kay, Grace. "Elon Musk plans to launch his own university in Texas, report says". Business Insider. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  9. ^ Tax Filing
  10. ^ IV, Antonio Pequeño. "Elon Musk University? Billionaire Pledges $100 Million To Launch School In Texas, Report Says". Forbes. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  11. ^ McGee, Kate (December 13, 2023). "Elon Musk plans to open a new university in Austin". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved December 14, 2023.