MCC Bulletin 2024 - eng

OUR MISSION
Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) is an educational institution and research center devoted to the
flourishing of the Hungarian nation. Built on a 1,000 years of Hungarian and Western traditions,
MCC serves local communities and Hungary by educating open-minded young individuals with a
patriotic mindset and realistic approach to the world. Aware of the unique challenges facing Hungarians
in the 21st century, MCC is committed to providing excellent supplemental education, without
charge, to young Hungarians throughout the Carpathian Basin. To align with their vision, the founders
opted to name our institution after Mathias Corvinus, one of Hungary’s most renowned kings.
During the 15th century, under Mathias Corvinus, Hungary entered into a golden age. With the
king introducing Renaissance ideas and establishing the country as a prominent intellectual hub in
Europe. His reign exemplified the key elements necessary for Hungary’s advancement: a commitment
to knowledge, patriotism, and a willingness to embrace external sources for innovative solutions and
ideas, elements now embodied in Mathias Corvinus Collegium.
Supporting highly talented young people is a vital public interest that also has a significant impact on
our country’s competitiveness. Since its foundation in 1996, Mathias Corvinus Collegium has grown
into the largest extracurricular education provider in the Carpathian Basin. Starting with only a handful
of students, MCC initially focused on developing and mentoring high-school and university students.
The dedication and passion of its staff and students, however, led to a gradual expansion of
MCC’s programs, outreach, and mission. In 2001, MCC secured a residency hall to provide housing
for its students and further cement MCC as a community-based model of education.
The 2000’s and 2010’s not only saw an expansion of MCC’s educational programs to development
programs for all ages, but also a physical expansion outside of Budapest with the opening of regional
centers throughout Hungary and the Carpathian Basin. Today, we are proud to offer free educational
programs for all ages, from talented students in primary and secondary schools to those in higher education
and beyond.
By the end of 2024, more than 7,300 students will be involved with at least one of our diverse programs.
Within the next few years, we plan to increase this number to 10,000. Furthermore, we will increase
the number of our regional centers from 28 locations to a total of 35 Hungarian-inhabited cities across
the Carpathian Basin. In addition to our newly established centers in Vienna and Brussels, MCC is
also committed to sending our students to other Western European cities and bringing Western intellectuals
to Hungary. We regularly invite the best teachers and guest speakers to collaborate with and
improve our professional programs. At the same time, we are renovating the many historic buildings
that house our educational centers, reviving and adding beauty to the surrounding local communities.
4