In the aftermath of the Civil War, WPI was founded to empower the nation's new professional class of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs. With a unique model of education, the university was designed to provide students with the fundamentals of science and engineering, as well as the opportunity to gain hands-on experience solving real-world problems. This pioneering approach to learning has stood the test of time and continues to be the cornerstone of WPI's educational philosophy today. Today, WPI's graduates are well-equipped to make a lasting impact on the world, applying their knowledge and skills to make the world a better place.