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 experience in which talented students can explore their passions and are challenged to grow on an academic, creative and personal level. 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 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. Last summer we moved all of our programs online due to COVID-19; many of our scholarship students chose not to attend as a result. This summer, we plan to offer both online and in-person classes. We believe that giving students the opportunity to participate in MITY’s programs is more important now than eve

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.

MITY’s ExplorSchool offers over 20 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. Sample classes include: Linguistics, Project Citizen, Creating Cool Chemistry, Robotics, Real World Engineering Challenges, and Model UNl. 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, an hour midday recreation time serves to build teamwork, foster friendships, and generate opportunities for peer support and leadership development. Finally, parents are invited to visit on the last day of classes.

Program Dates

In-Person: two week session Start: June 14 End: June 25

Online: two week session Start: July 12 End: July 23

Can students reside on campus? No

Can students commute to campus? Yes

Can students take online classes? Yes