Northeastern University started in 1898 as the Evening Institute for Younger Men, a YMCA program created to give working students a practical way to continue their education. It later became Northeastern College in 1916 and officially Northeastern University in 1922. One of the biggest moments came in 1909, when it introduced the co-op program that let students switch between classes and real paid work experience, something that eventually shaped the entire identity of the school. Over the years, Northeastern expanded beyond its roots, growing into a major research university and later building a global network of campuses across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Today, it’s known for combining academics with hands-on learning and for creating opportunities that reach far beyond Boston.