The Caltech Student Investment Fund was established in 1978 through a generous gift from J. Stanley Johnson and Mary W. Johnson. The donation included 2,500 shares of H&R Block stock, valued at $0.75 per share at the time, with a unique condition: the fund would be managed entirely by the Caltech student body. In their initial letter, the Johnsons defined the mission of the Fund:

“The Fund shall be a separately invested endowment fund with the primary purpose of providing a learning experience for students in investment management with the expectation that, through the operation of this Fund, they may gain increased understanding of the free enterprise system as it functions in the American economy today.”

Since its inception, the Fund has been actively invested and managed under the guidance of the student body and the broader Caltech community, aligning with its original mission to provide students with practical experience in investment management.

Beyond fostering financial literacy and investment skills, the Student Investment Fund was also created with a strong commitment to giving back to the Caltech community. Initially, this support came in the form of projects, recommended annually by students and approved by the Administration, funded through withdrawals of up to 4% of the portfolio's market value. Over time, this evolved into the current annual Disbursement Program, where clubs and organizations at Caltech can apply for funding to support one-time capital expenditures. Proposals deemed beneficial to the Caltech community are reviewed and approved directly by the Fund's student-led Board of Directors.

Meetings of the Caltech Student Investment Fund are open to all members of the Caltech community, including Undergrads, Graduate Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and JPL personnel. During the current academic year, general Fund meetings are held weekly on Thursdays in the Hameetman Conference Room. Anyone is welcome to participate, regardless of prior attendance or experience.

All members of the Caltech community are considered members of the Student Investment Fund. Anyone can propose changes to the Fund's portfolio at weekly meetings. Only members of the Board of Directors can vote on these proposals. To become a board member, members must attend six meetings in a term and make a thorough proposal to the Board. To renew board membership, members must continue to attend at least three meetings per term.

If you'd like to learn more, join one of our meetings or subscribe to our general email list for updates on activities, meetings, and portfolio proposals. If you face issues subscribing, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll assist you.