After revolutionizing the automotive and aerospace industries through Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk now has his sights set on the education system with plans to establish a new university in Austin, Texas.
The new venture, documented in tax filings for Musk’s latest charity, The Foundation, reveals the plan will start with a STEM-focused (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) primary and secondary school.
According to the filing, first reported by Bloomberg, Musk himself has allocated a $100 million gift to get the institution off the ground. The school’s curriculum is designed to blend traditional learning with hands-on experiences, including simulations, case studies, and fabrication/design projects.
The application, filed in October 2022 and approved in March 2023, explains the university aims for accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
This isn’t the first time Musk has eyed innovation in the educational system. He has previously founded Ad Astra on SpaceX’s California campus for his children and those of SpaceX employees.
This latest endeavor however represents a grander vision for higher education, expanding beyond primary and secondary levels. The application states that the university “intends ultimately to expand its operations to create a university dedicated to education at the highest levels.”
Musk’s STEM school is anticipating an inaugural class of 50 students.
