Wade Institute of Technology launches tuition-free Engineering master’s program for Black students

The Wade Institute of Technology (WIT), an experiential college based in Silicon Valley, is now accepting applications for its innovative, tuition-free Master’s in Engineering Management program. The program, designed for students of African descent, is a unique opportunity for those with undergraduate degrees in STEM or liberal arts fields to transition into leadership roles in technology and engineering.

With a focus on “engineering for everyone,” WIT aims to provide students from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving tech industry. The program’s curriculum blends technical courses in engineering with leadership and management training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for a variety of management and leadership positions across industries.

“We’ve seen a troubling decline in diversity within STEM fields, reversing some of the progress that was made in previous years,” said Booker T. Wade Jr., Executive Director of WIT. “For many Black students, the barriers to entering and advancing in STEM are financial and representational. Our goal with this program is to offer a debt-free education in a supportive, all-Black learning environment, providing students with opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach.”

The Master’s program includes coursework in aeronautics, astronautics, materials science, biomedical engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, and systems engineering. In addition to technical courses, students will also study human-centered leadership and management principles, preparing them for senior roles in technology and engineering companies.

The program offers students practical, hands-on learning experiences, including opportunities to earn a private pilot’s license, participate in watershed research, and apply for internships with NASA. These real-world experiences are designed to complement the academic curriculum, providing students with the skills needed to excel in leadership roles after graduation.

Launched in 2024, the program is now seeking students for its second cohort, set to begin in 2025. Along with the tuition-free education, WIT is offering free housing to the first 10 students who enroll. The application deadline is August 15, 2025, but interested students are encouraged to apply early due to limited spaces in the program.

The program’s emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity is a key component of WIT’s mission to provide high-quality education to students from underrepresented communities. By offering a debt-free path to a master’s degree, WIT is seeking to address the financial barriers that often prevent Black students from pursuing advanced degrees in STEM fields.

“We believe that financial support should never be a barrier to education,” Wade added. “By removing the burden of tuition, we’re empowering students to focus on their studies and their careers, not on how to pay for school.”

Founded in 2020, WIT is a private, non-profit institution dedicated to creating opportunities for students of African descent in STEM disciplines. Through a combination of traditional instruction and experiential learning, the college partners with top-tier faculty and institutions to equip students with the knowledge and experience needed to become leaders in their fields.

WIT’s unique approach to education reflects a growing recognition of the need for greater diversity in STEM industries, particularly in leadership roles. The tech sector, in particular, has faced ongoing challenges with diversity, and institutions like WIT are working to fill the gap by providing education and mentorship to the next generation of Black STEM leaders.

“We’re preparing students not just for jobs, but for leadership positions,” Wade said. “We’re creating the kind of change we want to see in the world—by giving students of African descent the tools and the opportunities they need to succeed in STEM, and to lead with confidence and impact.”

As the application period for the 2025 cohort begins, WIT is encouraging prospective students to apply early, as spaces are limited and demand is expected to be high. With its innovative, debt-free model and commitment to diversity, the Wade Institute of Technology is positioning itself as a leader in reshaping the future of STEM education.