1910s

Demand for these first co-op student employees was high. The combination of this demand and the reward of experiential learning continued to facilitate growth. These early years were still highly experimental, but the successful graduation of the original class provided reassurance and showed that co-op was here to stay.

In 1914, Ell assumed the role of assistant dean of engineering; three years later in 1917, he succeeded Geromanos as the dean of the Cooperative School of Engineering. Ell immediately had a massive impact on the program, nearly doubling its size the year he took over as dean from 165 to 230 co-op students and 27 to 42 cooperating companies. Northeastern College was incorporated in 1916, and the academic program officially became the Cooperative School of Engineering. The YMCA’s pre-existing schools, including the Polytechnic Evening School, were made a part of this incorporation.

COOPERATIVE

Engineering School’s Class of 1916

1927- 1950s