MEP students are encouraged to pursue a rigorous, pre-college program while in high school.  The MEP staff will work collaboratively with secondary and post secondary staff, parents, and the community to provide strategies and resources to enhance MEP students' academic performance and  create positive self-esteem.

MEP begins in the 9th grade and continues through college.   Students may apply in grades 9-10 with a  grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.  School guidance counselors can assist students with the application process.  Students will be added based on availability in the program.  A maximum of 220 students per grade level are admitted.

The Multicultural Excellence Program is active in all Saint Paul Public Schools grades 9-12.  To remain active in the program, a student must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.  At the end of each school year, MEP students’ grades are reviewed.  If a student’s GPA drops lower than 2.5 they will be dropped from the program.  That student will then have one school year to improve their GPA and request reinstatement. An official transcript along with a letter of intent needs to be sent to the MEP office for reinstatement. 

The following coursework must be completed in high school before graduation. Preferably honor courses such as AP or IB courses: 4 years of English, 3 years of Social Studies (1 year of Geography and 1 year US History), 3 years of Science (Physical Science/Physics, Chemistry, Biology), 3 years of Math (Integrated Math 1,2,3, or Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry+), 1 year of art, 2 years of a foreign language (same language).

Currently, MEP is directly affiliated with 24 colleges and universities. Each college determines the amount of financial aid, grants or scholarships given to each student.