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Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs


Program Info
Program: Expand Your Mind
Sponsoring Organization: Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth

Main Contact
Name: Erica Brewinski
Title: Executive Director
Address: 1600 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
Phone: (651) 696-6590
Email: mity@macalester.edu
Web Site:
https://www.mity.org
Curricular area: Science
Grades Served: 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11

Goals

MITY’s mission is to inspire and challenge intellectually curious students to pursue their passions within a diverse, inclusive community and empower them by building skills and relationships for lifelong success. 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 student’s 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.


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. Sample classes include Firing On All Synapses, Social Entrepreneurship, Astrophysics, Art as Advocacy, and Mock Trial. MITY offers much more than a 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 13-17, one week session

In-Person Sessions: June 20-July 1 July 11-22, 2 two week sessions



Can students reside on campus? Yes

Can students commute to campus? Yes

Can students take online classes? Yes


Estimated residential cost per student
Tuition: $825
Fees: $100
Books: $0
Supplies: $0
Room/Board: $1,250
Transportation: $0
Estimated commuter cost per student
Tuition: $825
Fees: $100
Books: $0
Supplies: $110
Transportation: $50
Estimated Online cost per student
Tuition: $300
Fees: $0
Books: $0
Supplies: $0
Transportation: $0