MIT10: Impact

In addition, the senior class of 2007 broke the Senior Gift record with 52% participation and secured $15,000 in challenge funds.

Impact of last year's challenge funds:

MIT10 Power of Participation:
MIT is using a portion of these funds to support three activities that enable students to connect theory with real-world implementation and enhance lives in other cultures:

IDEAS Competition
IROP (the new International UROP)
Mobility Lab (a new set of course offerings)

As the Institute increases its emphasis on international education, MIT students eagerly seek new opportunities for global learning. IDEAS and the Mobility Lab encourage students to develop innovative solutions to community problems in developing countries. IROP provides opportunities for undergraduates to engage in cutting-edge international research with people of diverse backgrounds.

	IDEAS Competition Winners of the 7th Annual MIT IDEAS Competition were announced on May 1. Funds from last year's challenge will support a retreat for the winning teams, where they will learn about teamwork and better understand team dynamics. This retreat will also provide them the opportunity to network with one another as they begin planning to turn their winning ideas into reality. Learn more about the amazing innovations generated by the IDEAS Competition.

	IROP MIT anticipates a lineup of 25 IROP projects in summer 2008. Challenge funds will support travel and other research-related expenses for these projects. Stay tuned for stories about experiences in this new program when students return to school in the fall of 2008.

	Mobility Lab Challenge funds are supporting two Mobility Lab courses. One focuses on prosthetic devices and the other, on wheelchair design. Both encourage students to develop low-cost ways to better the lives of the handicapped. In the first semester's classes, students learn about the dynamics of human locomotion and the various types of associated disabilities. Next, students learn by doing as they work in teams of 3 to 5 on designing a prototype by the end of the term.

These are just a few examples of the MIT10 community’s impact on the Institute this year as a result of its fundraising efforts. Both undergraduate and graduate student life programs and community development activities also benefited from MIT10 contributions.

Class of 2007 Senior Gift:
	The Class of 2007 Study Abroad Fund helps deserving MIT undergraduates go abroad by offsetting costs for summer or IAP study overseas. The grants awarded help students broaden their education without compromising their school work during the fall or spring terms.