About
Over the course of three years at the college, students receive a broad education that includes study of trade and technical theory in the classroom and realistic work projects.
Discover More About Williamson
Building Craftsmen, Instilling Character
Williamson's Mission
Williamson College of the Trades prepares deserving young men to be respected leaders and productive members of society.
Williamson's Vision
Through scholarships that fully meet each student’s financial need, Williamson uniquely develops the entire student, spiritually, socially, and professionally, emphasizing moral, trade, academic, and leadership education in a structured community based on Christian principles.
Williamson's Core Values
Faith, Integrity, Diligence, Excellence, and Service
Why Williamson Matters
Researchers from Tufts University’s Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development conducted a three-year study of character development at Williamson, funded through a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation. In the video, Tufts University Researcher, Dr. Richard Lerner summarizes the results of the study and expounds upon why Williamson matters for the future of American society.
Areas of Study
Williamson Facts
Length of Study
Current Enrollment
Student/Faculty Ratio
Average Class Size
Costs
All students attend on full scholarships that cover tuition and room and board. Students pay for personal items, a small annual fee, and their books and supplies costs.
Student Duties
Students must follow all college regulations, policies, and procedures. These policies are outlined in the Student Handbook and other administrative publications available online through the college’s Student Management System.
Facilities
Williamson’s campus includes the Rowan Hall; Wesley Student Center; Restall Sports Center; Carpentry Shop; Machine Shop; Masonry Shop; Electrical Shop; Power Plant; Lipp Educational Center; Dorrance H. Hamilton Horticultural Center; Walter M. Strine, Sr. 2W9 Learning Center; William L. McLean, Jr. Technical Center; Grounds Buildings; thirteen dormitories; faculty homes; and athletic fields.
Approval and Accreditation
Williamson is approved and authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to confer the Associate in Specialized Technology Degree. Williamson is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). More information on Williamson’s accreditation is available here.
Location
Housing
History
Williamson College of the Trades (formerly Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades) located in Middletown Township, Pennsylvania (Delaware County) was established in 1888 with an endowment from Philadelphia merchant and philanthropist Isaiah V. Williamson. The college initially offered training for high school-aged men in areas such as bricklaying, carpentry, and machine shop. Since becoming a post-secondary institution in 1961, the college now offers associate degrees in various fields of specialized technology.
George F. Heckler 4W2 Archives
The George F. Heckler Archives at the Williamson College of the Trades was named for George F. Heckler, the first college archivist. Mr. Heckler was a graduate of the Class of 1942, an instructor, and president of the college from 1979-1984. Mr. Heckler had an interest in preserving Williamson’s history from his first years here when he was a member of the camera club and a staff member of The Mechanic, the Williamson College of the Trades yearbook.
The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades records, 1746-2014 (bulk 1888-2014), consist of administrative and financial records; a variety of visual, audio, and audiovisual materials; alumni and student publications; alumni records and personal papers; blueprints, deeds, and other documents relating to the School’s property; and several other materials that document the functions of the School and the individual experiences of its students, teachers, and other associates.
The forty member libraries and archives of the Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries (PACSCL) collect, care for, and share with a world-wide audience collections that, in their depth and variety, comprise an internationally important body of unique materials for students, scholars and lifelong learners at any level.
