Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT), a private non-profit college offering affordable education for people seeking technical careers, today announced the close of its purchase of a new campus location in the Dudley Square neighborhood of Roxbury. Located at 1011 Harrison Avenue (the former site of the Harrison Supply Co.), the 55,000+ square foot property will be transformed into a state-of-the-art multi-story facility complete with an advanced manufacturing center and walk-in optical shop, among other innovative learning environments and community resources. The new campus will support BFIT’s growing student population and offer expanded educational programs designed to meet the increasingly complex needs of in-demand technical jobs of the future.
“We are thrilled to take this step to advance BFIT’s mission of empowering Boston’s young people with the skills and opportunities to elevate their lives,” said Anthony Benoit, President of Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. “Our students and faculty deserve an innovative and energetic space. Rather than renovate our old buildings, it just made sense to start from scratch and build a new campus where our students can thrive, and our professors can do their best work. With this new facility, our 111-year-old institution is primed for the next century of technical education, and we look forward to contributing to the economic empowerment of this vital Boston neighborhood.”
Fast Facts About BFIT
- More than 20 percent year-over-year increase in student enrollment since 2013
- Several new technology programs added since 2015, include Construction Management, Electrical Engineering and Health Information Technology
- 53 percent of enrollment of first-generation college students
- Students of color account for 70 percent of enrollment
- 85 percent five-year average job placement rate for graduates (full-time, in field)
With the move to Dudley Square, BFIT students, faculty and employees will have centralized access to public transportation, including MBTA buses, orange line stops at Ruggles and Roxbury Crossing and commuter rail services into Ruggles and Newmarket station stops. In addition, BFIT will join the ranks of Boston Public Schools headquartered in the Bruce Bolling Building, Morgan Memorial Goodwill and the Urban League of Massachusetts (among many others) as a welcomed partner and community anchor in one of Boston’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.
While BFIT is targeting the fall semester of 2021 for its move to the new campus, a date for ground-breaking at the Harrison Avenue site has yet to be determined. BFIT’s existing campus in Boston’s South End will remain operational throughout construction. “The move is of course very exciting; however, as we work toward this tremendous milestone in our college’s already rich history, our priorities remain focused on continuing to provide the best environment for our students and faculty,” said President Benoit.
For progress updates on BFITs new campus, please visit www.bfit.edu/movetoroxbury.
About Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
Founded in 1908 in Boston, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology is one of New England’s oldest colleges of technology. Started with a bequest from Benjamin Franklin and a matching gift from Andrew Carnegie, the private non-profit college offers an affordable education for people seeking technical careers. BFIT is an affordable, urban college serving the Boston region and committed to student success and career readiness in technology fields. Through personalized support, hands-on learning, and industry-informed curricula, BFIT prepares graduates for work, life-long learning, and citizenship. For more information, please go to www.bfit.edu.
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