The story of ARCS® Foundation begins at a moment when America was startled by a rocket. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet launching of a small satellite into orbit around Earth fascinated and alarmed America.
At the height of the Cold War, the USSR’s action created a mild panic in America. For our freedom and well-being, we could not allow any country to surpass us in scientific accomplishments.
In 1958 a group of bright and visionary women in Los Angeles banded together to meet the challenge. This group met with California Institute of Technology President Lee DuBridge to discuss what they could do to make a difference. Together they created a unique partnership between science and society: ARCS Foundation.