The Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute (MTBI) is a successful summer research experience for undergraduates, with a strong record of mentoring Ph.D. graduates, particularly, underrepresented minority students. However, the MTBI program was designed for education in research, not for research in education, and the mechanisms of the students' success has never been adequately studied. This article begins the process of studying MTBI from an educational theory perspective by examining the MTBI community model from the perspective of four researchers: Piaget, Vygotsky, Bandura, and the MTBI students themselves.