MIT’s Office of Engineering Outreach Programs (OEOP) in the School of Engineering (SOE) runs four core programs for middle and high school students.  In 1975, the SOE launched the Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) Program to address the low numbers of minority students pursuing advanced technical degrees. Now the MITES Program is a rigorous six-week residential, academic enrichment summer program for talented high school students who are interested in studying and exploring careers in science and engineering. This national program stresses the value and reward of pursuing advanced technical degrees and careers while developing the skills necessary to achieve success in science and engineering. MITES is rooted in MIT's belief in the importance of students from diverse populations to pursue higher education and careers in these fields.

Selected students build self-confidence in their ability to be successful in a demanding academic atmosphere, and have a chance to work with and befriend individuals of different racial, ethnic and other backgrounds. Although admission to MIT is not the focus of MITES, for its graduates, there is a strong record of successful admission to MIT and to other engineering and science universities.