Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs

Goals

MITY’s Your Extraordinary Summer (YES) program provides advanced learners in grades 1 - 4 with the opportunity to continue their learning with peers who share their interests. Students take 4 unique classes each day for one week, choosing from 20 STEAM and humanities options. Small class sizes and an inclusive environment enables students to take risks, be themselves, and find “their people”.

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: - Inquiry-based exploration of subject areas chosen by the student, thereby giving them a measure of control over their own learning. - Engaging teachers who have experience working with talented youth. - Intellectually challenging, unique, hands on curriculum. - A range of classes to engage many interests, talents and learning styles. - Ongoing opportunities to connect and apply learning to the real world. - Collaborative problem-solving with other bright, eager students.

Activities

MITY's approach is guided by the following core attributes: 1. exceptional, passionate teachers; 2. small class sizes (15 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 interests; 5. a whole-child approach to developing students academically, physically and socially.

MITY’s YES program enables students to pursue their passions and discover new interests at a developmentally appropriate pace. Full day participants take four 75-minute courses each day interspersed with breaks for movement, snacks and community-building. Students conduct labs, program robots, design and build projects, engage in discussions, play educational games, and more. Sample classes include: The Art of Japan, Character Parade, Design Thinking with Scratch, Graphic Design for Kids, Engineering with a Purpose, Greek Mythology, The Human Footprint, and The Math of Sports.

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 morning meeting and 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.

Program Dates

Session A: 1-Week Session Start Date: June 17, 2024 End Date: June 21, 2024

Session B: 1-Week Session Start Date: June 24, 2024 End Date: June 28, 2024

Can students reside on campus? No

Can students commute to campus? Yes

Can students take online classes? No