Search Database

MIT Educational Studies Program (ESP) (Cambridge, MA)

The MIT Educational Studies Program (ESP) was created by MIT students in 1957 to make a difference in the community by sharing knowledge and creativity with local high school students. Since then, the program has grown to support more than 3,000 students each year. The original High School Studies Program (HSSP) has been joined by many other enrichment programs, and the agenda changes each year to best suit the community’s needs.

Comments

Educator on 2/12/2004
There are no admissions criteria. While the program is aimed at 7th through 12th grade students, a few students below that grade level are allowed to take classes, on a case by case basis. Usually, the teacher is allowed to make the decision. Students as young as 6 and as early as 2nd grade have been permitted to enroll. Both students and teachers are usually there by active choice, leading to an environment conducive to both learning and getting to know other students.
Educator on 2/12/2004
We have participated in this wonderful program for 2 years. The courses vary according to teaching ability as all of the teachers are volunteers, but the students are vociferous with their impressions and the courses usually improve. The teachers do have energy and love their topics. Also, if you don't like your course, you can change in the first couple of weeks if there's room in another choice. We have never had a problem enrolling, despite our child's young age, and the high schoolers and teachers have been kind and engaging. It is also a very affordable way to provide enrichment, and MIT is such a great resource for kids to explore. There are Spring and Summer sessions.
Educator on 2/12/2004
Overall my daughter enjoyed the MIT HSSP program this spring (2001). Classes vary considerably based on the MIT undergrad student who has volunteered to teach the course. One of the two classes my daughter took was very organized and the teachers were dependable and well-prepared. The other course was not as organized and the teacher was not as dependable. However, the price is very reasonable and even if only half the courses fit your expectations, in my opinion, it is still worth doing. Courses can be dropped and a student may sign up for a different class several weeks into the program. Although my daughter is a young student for this program, I found that the teachers accorded her questions as much respect as those of students several years her senior.
Add a comment to this entry
Suggest an update to this entry
Submit a new resource for our database

The appearance of any information in the Davidson Institute's Database does not imply an endorsement by, or any affiliation with, the Davidson Institute. All information presented is for informational purposes only and is solely the opinion of and the responsibility of the author. Although reasonable effort is made to present accurate information, the Davidson Institute makes no guarantees of any kind, including as to accuracy or completeness. Use of such information is at the sole risk of the reader.

Share by email