Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

Goals

MITY’s ExplorSchool provides rising 5th-7th grade students a unique opportunity to investigate new topics and dive deeper into their passions at a level that is challenging and motivating. Intellectually curious students take two classes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, enabling them to explore different disciplines, experience things that are not possible within a normal school setting, and forge new friendships.

MITY’s mission is to provide an educational community where diverse, intellectually curious students can experience the excitement of learning and expand their academic and social visions. MITY addresses the educational outcomes of low-income students who require high-quality enrichment and support to counter the negative effects of their socioeconomic status. By attending MITY, students gain social skills, academic knowledge and critical attitudes necessary for success at their current school and in future academic and career pursuits. There are no comparable intensive summer learning opportunities offered for students in Minnesota.

MITY’s goal each year is to support at least 25% of our student population with full or partial scholarships according to need. In 2019, 23% of the students received financial aid, roughly 83% of these students were of color and 78% qualified for free or reduced lunch.

MITY strives to develop intellectual passions for all of its students. This goal is supported in multiple ways, including: - Intense focus on two subject areas of the students’ choice, thereby providing both depth and breadth in subject areas in which students are interested. - Engaging teachers who have experience working with talented youth. - Intellectually challenging, unique, hands on curriculum. - A range of classes to engage many interests, talents & learning styles. - Ongoing opportunities to connect and apply learning to the real world. - Collaborative problem-solving with other bright, eager students.

Activities

ExplorSchool challenges students academically while developing leadership skills, instilling self-confidence, and fostering lifelong friendships among like-minded peers.

MITY's approach is guided by the following core attributes: 1. exceptional, award-winning teachers; 2. small class sizes (16 or less) so that everyone feels welcome to participate and learn; 3. unique, experiential and integrated learning activities; 4. diverse class choices (STEM, arts, humanities) that appeal to multiple intelligences; 5. a whole-child approach to developing students academically, physically and socially.

Due to COVID-19, MITY has cancelled its in-person program for summer 2020; however, it is offering 21 unique online courses designed specifically for motivated learners. Each class features a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction, enabling students to engage in intellectual discussions, collaborate in small group online environments to solve real-world problems, and create and learn through individual projects.

In addition to the non-cognitive skills development that is woven into each class, MITY staff will host weekly non-academic virtual sessions so that students can socialize, develop friendships, find peer support, explore new talents, take risks, and expand their cultural awareness.

Program Dates

Session A: Start Day: June 15; End Day: June 26; 2-week session

Session B: Start Date: July 6; End Date: July 17; 2-week session

Session C: Start Date: July 20; End Date: July 30; 2-week session

Can students reside on campus? No

Can students commute to campus? No

Can students take online classes? Yes