Retraining Program for Immigrant Engineers

RPIE image showing engineers in hardhats and with code

The Cooper Union’s Retraining Program for Immigrant Engineers (RPIE) is a free professional development opportunity that supports immigrant, refugee, and asylee engineers as they build a competitive portfolio to equip them for the professional workforce and the career they want.

The RPIE Spring 2026 application is now open! Space is limited. Apply early! Deadline January 4th, 2026.

APPLY NOW 
 

Interested in learning more about the program? Join us for an application event and workshop! 

REGISTER HERE 

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 6:00-7:30pm: Info Session & FAQ
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12:00-1:30: Resume Workshop & FAQ
Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 6:00-7:30pm: Info Session & FAQ
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 6:00-7:30pm: Past Participant Panel
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 12:00-1:30pm: Info Session & FAQ
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 6:00-7:30pm: Interview Workshop & FAQ
Saturday, December 27, 2025, 12:00-1:30pm: How to Read a Job Ad & FAQ
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 12:00-1:30pm: Info Session & FAQ
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 12:00-1:30pm: Info Session & FAQ

Learn More about RPIE

DOWNLOAD OUR PROGRAM FLYER 

Join our mailing list to receive updates on the RPIE applications and the latest program news.

Questions? Contact us:

email us at rpie@cooper.edu

call us at 212-353-4070
 

Program Overview

RPIE provides engineers with the opportunity to enhance their technical knowledge and stay current with the latest engineering trends. Participants gain a deeper understanding of what engineering entails in the U.S. and which hard and soft skills employers most frequently require. The program is structured to help participants gain the tools needed to succeed in today’s workforce through preparation for certification exams, introductions to emerging key topics, problem-based seminars, and the technical and professional communication skills required in today’s market.  Professional development opportunities include:

  • Coursework in emerging and established engineering and technology fields such as OSHA, Green Building, HVAC, Building Systems, Cost Estimating, AISC Steel, ACI Concrete, AutoCAD, Revit, Java, C#, Linux, SQA, SQL, and Cybersecurity.
  • Communications-intensive courses on presentations, project pitches, and management

  • Workshops and one-on-one support for developing job application materials such as resumes, cover letters, and portfolios and establishing a professional presence online

  • Preparation for job interviews

  • Foundation Series to build technical vocabulary and comfort working with digital tools for collaboration and presentations

  • Professional networking opportunities with industry leaders and access to a professional engineering community
  • Career counseling and job placement support

  • An innovative curriculum that responds to market analysis and emerging industry trends

     

RPIE at a Glance

Program Component Description
Program Cost Free
Eligible Participants Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers with a background in engineering, architecture, technology, or other related fields. Participation in RPIE does not impact immigration status.
Location For the Spring '26 term, all courses will take place online. Some program events, workshops, and peer learning will take place at The Cooper Union
 
Course Blocks The Built Environment: Structures & Buildings; Environmental Engineering & Sustainability; Operations Infrastructure & Transportation; Data Infrastructure & Security
Professional Development Opportunities Foundation Series; Communications and Culture Programming; Portfolio Workshops; Networking Events; One-on-One Support; and Career Counseling
Program Dates:
Program Dates Fall '25: Aug-Dec
Spring '26: February - May
Summer '26: June
Application Deadlines: Spring Term 2026: January 4th 2026



Our Sponsors 
The Cooper Union Retraining Program for Immigrant Engineers is made possible through generous donations from the Robin Hood Foundation and Con Edison. The Cooper Union Retraining Program for Immigrant Engineers would also like to thank our individual donors for their support.
 

 
 


 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.