Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY)
History
In 1967, Minneapolis and St. Paul schools collaborated to create a new program, TCITY (Twin Cities Institute for Talented Youth), that would provide talented secondary school students with challenging, interesting, and worthwhile educational opportunities by offering specialized courses not usually found in local high schools. In 1982, when the legislature eliminated summer program funding to school districts, TCITY became MITY, an independent non-profit organization that charged tuition and attracted master teachers and talented students from across the country and around the world.
MITY added its first residential program in 1985 and a middle school program, ExplorSchool, in 1993. In 2002, MITY launched Your Extraordinary Saturday (YES), a Saturday morning program for advanced students in grades 1 – 4. When the world shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic, MITY provided online programming to 1st – 12th grade students. This year, 2024, MITY is launching a new Your Extraordinary Summer (YES) program for elementary students. Now in its 57th year, MITY serves over 900 talented students in grades 1 – 11.
Strategic Priorities
MITY’s goals include the following:
- Increase awareness of MITY’s programs so that more advanced learners have the opportunity to pursue their interests and meet like-minded peers, including those who have traditionally not been identified as gifted and talented;
- Recruit talented and diverse teachers who are passionate about inspiring and empowering young people;
- Secure additional grant funding and donations in order to provide additional scholarships;
- Continue to grow and adapt programming to meet the needs of today’s youth.
Annual Budget: $670,000 – Earned Income, Government Grants or Contracts
Skills
Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY) is seeking board members with skills in the following areas:
- Fundraising
- Legal
- Marketing and Communications
- Technology
Information
- Number of members currently: 12
- Meeting frequency: 4 meetings annually
- Meeting location: Saint Paul
- Does nonprofit carry liability insurance? Yes
Expectations
- Time Expectation: Up to 5 hours/month
- Financial Contribution Required: Yes
- Service on Committee Required: No
- Committees: Executive, Finance, Governance
- Length of Term: 3 Years
- Renewable: Yes