RIT_zps1226792dRochester Institute of Technology is on its way to becoming a greater presence in the Rochester community, after introducing a new strategic plan for growth over the next 10 years. The plan, called “Greatness Through Difference,” aims to make the university more visible on both a national and international scale through a number of different initiatives.

“RIT will achieve greatness through difference. We belong in the category of the world’s great universities, not because we seek to replicate the great universities of the 20th century, but because we are already practicing what future universities must provide,” said RIT President Bill Destler, according to the Rochester Business Journal.

The school has already seen vast improvements and growth throughout its 186-year history. Having started off as a small trade school, RIT is now a well-established research university with over 18,000 students.

Under the new plan, university officials plan to boost undergraduate enrollment from 20% to 30% of total student enrollments. The school currently ranks 10th among private schools for the largest undergraduate enrollment.

The plan also seeks to expand the university’s international reach. Currently, there are about 2,500 international students enrolled in the school’s Henrietta campus. There are about 1,500 RIT students studying abroad at one of RIT’s four international campuses. A new initiative in Asia is expected to help increase the university’s reach on a global scale.

Aside from school-related improvements, “Greatness Through Difference” could benefit the local economy, as well. The current success of the school already makes it a strong economic force within the community — colleges and universities in the U.S. generate about $442 billion in revenue. The school also attracts a number of technical businesses because of the skilled workers it turns out.

Under the new plan, there will be greater outreach and assistance for minority and low-income students, creating additional educational opportunities for local residents. RIT’s current program for low-income students from the city of Rochester offers free tuition to students accepted to the school, but participation in the program has been low. The new plan hopes to double participation.

The plan will also nearly double the university’s current research budget to $100 million, hopes to help build at least 20 new start-up companies a year, and intends to expand opportunities for online coursework.

While the plan was only recently announced, fundraising efforts have already begun to help get the new project underway.

[Logo courtesy of RIT Facebook page.]