Supporting MIT Sophomores for 25 Years
For 25 years, the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program (UPOP) has been one of MIT’s most powerful engines for student professional success—preparing sophomores not just to enter the workplace but to thrive in it. In a world where technical skills alone aren’t enough, UPOP provides what students need at this critical point in their MIT journey: a curated, yearlong experience that turns academic excellence into real-world career readiness.
At its core, UPOP equips students with the tools, mindset, and confidence to launch successfully into their professional lives, regardless of their intended career path. Through hands-on workshops, individualized coaching, and direct engagement with employers and alumni mentors, participants build the communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that set them apart from day one on the job.
Celebrate with UPOP
Join us at the Alumni Leadership Conference (ALC)!
We are happy to announce that UPOP will be featured at the Alumni Leadership Conference at lunch on Saturday, September 27th, followed later that day with anniversary celebrations exclusive to the UPOP community. If you would like to learn more about this year’s ALC, please visit their website for information about registration, schedules, accommodations, and more. We’ll be in touch with the UPOP community with more information about our exclusive celebratory activities, but please reach out if you have any questions.
We’d love to hear about your experience with UPOP, whether you’re a UPOP alum, mentor, or employer! Please share your story of the difference UPOP has made in your professional life, in the lives of students you’ve worked with, or in your workplace, and we’ll share with the community in the coming months.
And while you’re at it, sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date with news, announcements, and more.
Support the Next 25
As UPOP celebrates its 25th anniversary, we are launching a $5 million fundraising initiative to ensure the program continues to evolve and expand to meet the needs of future MIT students. With additional support, UPOP will continue to deliver on its promise to provide MIT sophomores with the skills that ensure their success in finding and thriving in their chosen work.
What will your support make possible?
- Secure UPOP’s Future by growing the Endowment Fund for Program Innovation and Expansion, ensuring the program continues to evolve to meet the shifting needs of both students and employers.
- Empower the Next Generation of Mentors through the Young Mentor Support Fund, enabling more recent graduates to return for Team Training Workshop and share their professional experiences with students; and to provide opportunities for seasoned mentors to share their knowledge and wisdom through new mentor training opportunities.
- Build Professional Networks and Community by expanding employer engagement, and peer and mentor connections that strengthen student communities.
Download our anniversary fundraising initiative brochure to learn more about how your support will help future UPOP students. To learn more about giving opportunities and UPOP’s three-year anniversary fundraising initiative, please reach out to Betsy Boyle, betsyb@mit.edu.