Celebrating 25 Years of UPOP

25 Years of Supporting MIT Sophomores

For 25 years, the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program (UPOP) has been one of MIT’s most powerful engines for student 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 most: a structured, immersive 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. 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.

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 the next generation. With support, UPOP will continue to deliver on its promise to prepare MIT students not just to enter the workforce, but to excel in it.

What will donor 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 the Team Training Workshop and share their experiences.
Build Professional Networks and Community by expanding employer engagement, peer connections, and comm

Donate

Learn more about how your support will help future MIT students.

Celebrate with UPOP

See you at ALC!

We are currently planning all the ways we want to celebrate the last 25 years of students, mentors, and all things UPOP. We are happy to announce that UPOP will be featured at the Alumni Leadership Conference on Saturday, September 27th, followed by an exclusive celebration for the UPOP community that evening.

We’d love to hear about your experience with UPOP! If you’d like to share your favorite story or memory from the last 25 years of UPOP, please fill out this form.