MITES (formerly OEOP) provides transformative experiences that bolster confidence, create life-long community, and build an exciting, challenging foundation in STEM for highly motivated 7th-12th grade students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Catalyzing change in STEM, our goal is to advance equity and access through hands-on programs that are free of cost to participants and their families. We create new pathways for our students; help them develop the skills they need and a sense of belonging in the STEM fields; and empower them to use their knowledge to address urgent issues facing their communities and the world at large. Together, all of us at MITES—our staff, instructors, and our scholars—live MIT's mission to make the world a better place, for everyone. In our rigorous and highly competitive programs, students forge a persistent and extended network of friends and allies that affirms both their achievement motivation and cultural identity. Our students leave our programs with heightened confidence in their skills and the ability to succeed in science and engineering at a top university. Many go on to become leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in the STEM fields.Every year we serve around 300 diverse and talented students. 60 to 70 percent of our students come from low socio-economic backgrounds. 70 to 80 percent of our students are members of underrepresented minority groups.