The MITES meetup in Culver City turned into a wonderful evening of reconnection, storytelling, and cross‑generational community building. Alumni, current MITES participants, and MIT students came together to reflect on their journeys and hear about the program’s plans for the New Year. Eboney Hearn SB '01 Executive Director, MITES at MIT was also there. The conversation flowed easily as people shared memories of their MITES experience, talked about how the program shaped their academic paths, and discussed whether they had participated in MITES in person or during the online years.
Throughout the night, attendees compared notes on life after MITES—where they studied, what they pursued, and how the program influenced their choices. Several alumni reflected on whether they might return for future reunions or other community events, sparking a lively dialogue about staying connected and strengthening the MITES network on the West Coast.
Approximately 20 people attended, including three to four MITES graduates who went on to colleges other than MIT, one current MITES student, and one MIT undergraduate. The mix of backgrounds and experiences made the conversations especially rich, offering a snapshot of the program’s broad impact.
Overall, the meetup was a meaningful reminder of the power of the MITES community—how it continues to inspire, support, and bring people together long after the program itself ends.