Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

Goals

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 strives to develop intellectual passions for all of its students. This goal is supported in multiple ways, including: Intense focus on a single subject area of the students’ choice. This provides both depth and breadth in a subject area in which students are interested. Engaging teachers who have experience working with talented youth and who can focus on teaching and inspiring rather than a letter grade. Giving students meaningful exposure to a college campus so that they can see their area of interest linked to a higher education experience. Intellectually challenging, unique, hands on curriculum. A range of programs and 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 Last summer we moved all of our programs online due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, many of our scholarship students chose not to attend as a result. This summer, we are offering both online and in-person classes, although we will not have a residential component due to the pandemic. We believe that giving students the opportunity to participate in MITY’s programs is more important now than ever before due to the events of the past year.

Activities

Expand Your Mind 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.

Classes take place at Macalester College in St. Paul, providing meaningful exposure to a college campus that empowers students to get a glimpse of their own post-secondary journey. MITY offers over 30 unique courses designed specifically for motivated learners. Students go on field trips, engage with guest speakers, conduct labs, engage in intellectual discussions, and solve real-world problems. MITY offers much more than rigorous curriculum—its educational philosophy is to develop students not only academically, but physically and socially as well. In addition to the non-cognitive skills development that is woven into each class, a number of special events and an hour and a half midday recreation time serves to build teamwork, foster friendships, and generate opportunities for peer support and leadership development.

Program Dates

Online Session: June 14-25, two week session

In-Person Sessions: July 12-23 July 26-August 6 2 two week sessions

Can students reside on campus? No

Can students commute to campus? Yes

Can students take online classes? Yes