Whenever people think of Silicon Valley, they often imagine a capitalistic utopia where technology reigns supreme. The truth is that the Valley is home to hundreds of companies and institutions pushing the boundaries in science and engineering research. Among them, a small university called Northwestern Polytechnic University trains the future leaders of Silicon Valley.

With a dean’s list that reads like the who’s who in Silicon Valley, such as Sheryl Sandberg, Bill Joy, and Forrest Hayes, NPU is an institution that believes that the key to success lies within providing students with hands-on experience while building up their professional network.

“We are not just about theory. We are working on the real problems they face in the industry,” said Olga Zinovieva, student dean of Northwestern Polytechnic University.

NPU has an alumni network of more than 9000 professionals, which is critical to the success of its students when it comes to internships and full-time opportunities after graduation. “If you have an industry network, students are more likely to find the right job that fits their interest,” said Olga.

NPU prides itself on its small class size with an average of 16 students per academic department, which allows for personalized education. The university also believes in “learning by doing,” meaning that most classes have a lab component so students can discover the real-life applications of academic concepts.

The university is committed to providing students with valuable work experience to graduate highly sought-after industry leaders. Graduates of NPU have also won major entrepreneurial competitions such as Facebook’s FbStart and TechCrunch Startup Battlefield.

“NPU is all about the network,” said Olga, “and with our students getting first-hand experience in cutting edge technology, we are doing our part to change the world.” Northwestern Polytechnic University is a private institution of higher education located in Fremont, California. The school, founded in 1984, awards Bachelor’s, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in science, technology, and management. NPU has been recognized as “Best in Silicon Valley” by the San Jose Mercury News for five years in a row.

“One of the things I love about the school is its diversity,” said Olga, “You would never know by talking to a student that they are from one of the top schools in the nation.” NPU is an institution that believes that the key to success lies within providing students with hands on experience while building up their professional network.

NPU prides itself on its small class size with an average of 16 students per academic department, which allows for personalized education. The university also believes in “learning by doing,” meaning that most classes have a lab component so students can discover the real life applications of academic concepts.

Senior David Delgado was optimistic about his future in the tech industry. “NPU has one of the best connections to Silicon Valley,” said David, “My family and friends constantly tell me how lucky I am to be so close to such amazing opportunities.”