About

MITY’s exciting day and residential programs build skills and attitudes for lifelong success. MITY empowers eager 1st - 12th grade students to recognize and grow their unique talents through innovative classes and a welcoming environment. Our interdisciplinary, hands-on curriculum challenges students to collaborate with diverse peers to generate creative solutions to real-world issues. MITY ignites curiosity, expands knowledge, and nurtures future leaders.

Mission

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.

EYM 2023 art and writing

Why Choose MITY

MITY provides capable, inquisitive students with an inspiring experience that challenges them to dream big and explore new possibilities. We offer:
  • Intellectually challenging, unique, hands-on curriculum
  • A variety of classes to engage many interests, talents & learning styles
  • Multiple avenues to connect and apply learning to the real world
  • Ongoing opportunities for collaborative problem-solving with other bright, eager students
  • Small class sizes (each limited to 16 students) to ensure individual attention
  • Exceptional faculty and staff
  • A welcoming environment where students can be their true selves
  • A fun and rewarding experience

MITY Values

  • Curiosity
  • Love of Learning
  • Commitment to Pluralism
  • Respect
  • Open Mindedness
  • Perseverance
  • Integrity
ES Fall 2022 Marble
mity old photo
mity old photo

History

Twin Cities Institute for Talented Youth (TCITY) was launched in 1967 when several Minneapolis and St. Paul public school educators, along with their academically gifted students, sought a way to continue learning beyond the regular school year.  With the support of local foundations, businesses, school boards, and private donations, 300 talented high school students were selected to participate. The first summer classes were held at Murray Senior High School (now Murray Middle School) in St. Paul.

 

Move to Macalester College

In 1969, the TCITY office was moved to Macalester College.  From then until 1981, the program was fully funded by the Minneapolis and St. Paul districts, and only students who resided in those districts could attend.  When state funding for summer programs was eliminated, TCITY became a non-profit organization that was open to all talented students and charged tuition.

EYM 2023 tug-of-war
2023 EYM dissection 2

Becoming MITY

In 1985, TCITY offered its first residential program.  Eight years later, ExplorSchool, a program for current 5th and 6th graders, was launched at Randolph Heights Elementary School in St. Paul.  That same year, 1993, TCITY changed its name to Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY) to reflect its booming student population, which now consisted of youth from across Minnesota, the country and the world.

Stimulating Young Minds

In 2002, Your Extraordinary Saturday (YES), a Saturday program for 1st-4th grade students, began to hold classes in November and March.  MITY celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2017.  When the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily halted in-person programming in 2020, MITY added online classes to keep students engaged both academically and socially.  In 2022, MITY announced the addition of a third session of elementary programming and a second session of middle school programming.

YES Fall 2022 engineering (1)
Explor field trip 23

57 Years of MITY

Today, MITY serves over 800 students in grades 1 through 12 each year.  While the organization has expanded to serve a broader range of students, our core belief has remained consistent: that diverse, highly motivated students deserve the opportunity to satisfy their thirst for learning and expand their vision for the future.  For 57 years, the MITY and TCITY experience has inspired thousands of students to recognize their gifts and has empowered them to flourish.

"This is a fantastic program for kids to get more education around a topic(s) of interest that they do not get in their normal school. All smiles and excitement about these Saturdays!"

-MITY Parent

Meet Our Team

Erica Brewinski

Erica Brewinski

Executive Director

Erica holds a B.A. from Brown University, an M.A. in Educational Policy & Administration from the University of Minnesota, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas. She is also a licensed K-12 Principal in the state of Minnesota and is certified in Professional Development. Erica has taught students in grades 6 - 12, undergraduates and graduate students, and was a school administrator for ten years before coming to MITY.

Jennifer McMurray 200 x 200

Jennifer McMurray

Assistant Director

Jen holds a Master's degree in Nonprofit & Public Leadership from St. Catherine University and a Bachelor's degree in English Rhetoric from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She also holds graduate certificates in Ethics and Strategic Management and is trained in a variety of project management software. Before coming to MITY, Jen previously worked in nonprofit and higher education, helping students and community members realize their potential.

Ari Eggert 200x200

Ari Eggert

Program Assistant

Ari holds a B.A. in Sociology from Macalester College.  In addition to their work at MITY, Ari serves as an aid in the Extended Day program at Sunny Hollow Montessori School.  Previously, Ari spent a summer teaching at Breakthrough Twin Cities and was the student manager for the Digital Resource Center at Macalester.

Board of Directors

Officers

Chair  Karine Moe, Macalester College

Vice Chair – Ted Smetana, Asset Marketing Services, LLC

Treasurer – Chad Miller, Thrivent

Secretary – Jennifer McMurray, MITY

Directors

Sachin Bansal, UnitedHealth Group

Anne Brataas, The Story Laboratory

Erica Brewinski, MITY

Paul Chmelik, Former Head of School

Judy Cognetta, Community Volunteer

Catherine Loh, Ecolab

Patricia Langer, Macalester College

Justin Peng, 3M

Karin Roof, Independent Consultant

 

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