The Koch Institute is committed to fostering an interest in science and engineering in young people. As part of this mission, we invite groups of middle and high school students to visit our facilities, meet researchers who work every day to solve the complex problems of cancer, and learn interactively about the science and technology of cancer research at MIT.
Please review current safety policies before visiting campus. All minors participating in day programs at MIT as well as all other K-12 visitors to campus are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated with at least one booster against COVID-19, unless they have a medical or religious exemption. As of March 14, 2022, face coverings are optional in indoor spaces at MIT.
Our Programs
Programs are offered free of charge to public school groups, local non-profit community organizations with a history or mission of serving populations underrepresented in STEM, and groups with significant financial need (Title 1, free/reduced lunch, etc.).
For any other groups, program fees apply. Program fees cover staff time, volunteer appreciation, and supplies.
| Program Length | Participants | Service Charge |
|---|---|---|
|
Gallery Program |
||
| 60-90 minutes |
Up to 30 | $300 |
| Greater than 30 (Max 50) |
Additional $300 | |
Investigation Program(Recommended for middle school and high school groups) Includes introductory discussion to "What is Cancer"; an activity about targeted drug delivery; "How can seaweed help treat cancer?"; a tour of a lab floor or the Koch Institute Galleries; and a Q&A with a researcher. |
||
| 60-90 minutes May extend to 2 hours |
up to 30 | $400 |
| Greater than 30 (max 60) |
Additional $400 | |
Cancer Research Program(Recommended for high school groups) Includes introductory discussion to "What is Cancer"; "The Fault In Our Cells," an activity best suited for high school students that explores tumor heterogeneity and chemotherapy resistance; tour of a lab floor; and a Q&A with a researcher |
||
| 1.5-2 hours | up to 30 | $400 |
| greater than 30 (max 60) |
Additional $400 | |
| Self-guided visit of the KI Public Galleries | ||
| 30-45 minutes | up to 25 | no charge |
Book a Visit
To book a visit, please fill out our Tour/Field Trip Request Form with your preferred visit date, number and grade level of students, and desired activities. Our programs are free of charge to public school groups, local non-profit community organizations, organizations with a history or mission of serving populations underrepresented in STEM or groups with significant financial need. We also offer discounts to groups with demonstrable financial need (Title 1, free/reduced lunch, etc.). For any other groups, program fees apply.
To view our dates and availability, please visit our calendar. Please send any questions or concerns to kioutreachprograms@mit.edu.
Other Logistics
Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Spring and summer are our busiest seasons, so please reach out early. Program hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. We are closed on all MIT holidays. All groups must be accompanied by chaperones (see ratios below) that must stay with the group during the entire visit.
- Grades 4-8: 1 chaperone for every 8 students
- Grades 9-12: 1 chaperone for every 10 students
- College: 1 chaperone per group or 1 for every 12 students if touring a lab
Visits to the Koch Institute can be paired with other outreach activities at MIT. Coordination across programs should be managed by the visiting group leader. For nearby activities related to Koch Institute content, we recommend the following:
There are numerous dining options in Kendall Square. Learn more about visiting MIT. There is also open sitting space by the MIT Museum.
Make a Day of It!
Koch Institute at MIT Tours & Programs
Recommended Ages: Middle School & High School
500 Main Street, Cambridge MA
MIT Museum Tours & Workshops
Recommended Ages: 5th Grade, Middle School, & High School
314 Main Street, Cambridge MA
Broad Discovery Center
Recommended Ages: Middle School & High School
415 Main Street, Cambridge MA
