Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

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 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 24 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 Advanced Debate, C.R.E.A.T.E. with AI, Introduction to Biomedical Engineering, Novel Writing, and Songwriting.

MITY offers much more than a rigorous curriculum—its philosophy is to develop students’ emotional intelligence, executive functioning skills, and leadership abilities as well. In addition to the collaborative work that is embedded into each class, a number of special events and a one hour midday recreation time serve to build teamwork, foster friendships, and generate opportunities for creativity and effective communication. Students are free to embrace their true selves, take risks, and experience the true joy of the MITY community. 2023 students called MITY, “empowering,” “a new beginning,” “encouraging,” and “supportive.”

Program Dates

Session A: 2-Week Session Start Date: June 17, 2024 End Date: June 28, 2024

Session B: 2-Week Session Start Date: July 8, 2024 End Date: July 19, 2024

Can students reside on campus? Yes

Can students commute to campus? Yes

Can students take online classes? No