Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth

Make A MITY Difference In A Young Person's Life

MITY - Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth

Our 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. Ninety-six percent of 2025 families reported that MITY is meeting its mission.  Below are comments from parents of summer 2025 participants:

• “This is an excellent program that creates a pipeline of brilliance which our nation needs. MITY is a necessity for the success of our future.”

• “This program acts as a catalyst to educational aspiration and attainment. It encourages youth to explore careers in various areas.”

• “The program sparks interest, curiosity and deepens passions in ways other programs do not. MITY is unique and important.”

• “This program is excellent in inspiring kids.”

Our History

In 1967, TCITY (Twin Cities Institute for Talented Youth) opened to provide talented secondary school students with challenging and interesting educational opportunities by offering specialized courses not usually found in local schools. In 1982, TCITY became MITY, an independent non-profit organization that grew to serve talented students in grades 1-11 from Minnesota and beyond. Today, MITY serves over 1,200 students from nearly 300 different schools and continues to grow.

Our Programs

1. The high school program, Expand Your Mind (EYM), is a full-day, two-week experience offered twice each summer on the campus of Macalester College. Students entering grades nine through 12 immerse themselves in an intense study of a single course. Students can choose residential or commuter.

2. The middle school program, ExplorSchool, is a full-day, two-week experience offered twice each summer, once in St. Paul and once in Minneapolis. Students entering grades six through 8 take two classes each day.

3. The elementary program, Your Extraordinary Summer (YES), offers two unique one-week sessions for students entering grades 2 - 5. Full day students select four hands-on classes per week; families can also choose half day or extended day.

4. The elementary program, Your Extraordinary Saturday (YES), is for students in grades one through five. This program takes place on Saturday mornings in the fall, winter and spring at different Twin Cities locations and offers free parent speakers.

Our Core Attributes:

1. A safe and inclusive environment;

2. Exceptional teachers;

3. Small class sizes;

4. Unique, experiential and integrated learning activities;

5. Diverse class choices (STEAM and humanities);

6. Leadership development.

Our Commitment

MITY is committed to raising financial support to ensure that all talented and motivated students, regardless of ability to pay, can see a brighter future for themselves. In the past fiscal year, MITY served 1,283 students from 294 different schools. MITY’s goal is to support at least 25% of students with financial aid. Please consider giving to help more young people explore their potential! 

100% of your tax-deductible donation goes toward scholarships for students to cover our unique programming. Here’s what your donation can cover:

• Elementary Programs: $175 for weekend program (Fall, Winter & Spring Sessions), $450 for full-day summer programs, $225 for half-day summer programs

• Middle School Program: $875 for a full-day, 2-week summer program, $475 for a half-day summer program

• High School Program: $875 for a full-day, 2-week commuter program, $2,200 for a 2-week residential program 

Your support matters. Thank you!