Math Success Initiative Holds True to Its Name
It was an intense seven-week program of math enrichment in algebra, pre-calculus and calculus, coupled with college and SAT prep, and on-campus recreation. When it concluded Aug. 9 at a ceremony in the Campus Center Atrium, the 35 rising 12th-graders who participated in the inaugural NJIT/Newark Math Success Initiative (MSI) looked back on their accomplishments with pride and happily accepted their certificates of achievement.
“We’re pleased that you’re interested in NJIT, because we’re interested in you,” said Jacqueline Cusack, executive director of the university’s Center for Pre-College Programs (CPCP) and MSI project manager, at the event. “I want to thank you for your participation in the NJIT/Newark Math Success Initiative. We hope that one day you will enroll at NJIT.”
MSI, announced this past February, is a partnership between NJIT, the city of Newark and Newark Public Schools aimed at dramatically increasing the number of Newark residents who enroll at NJIT for undergraduate education. The program is designed to strengthen the students’ math knowledge and skills so they are able to succeed as first-semester, first-year college freshmen taking MATH 111 Calculus at NJIT. It also provides mathematics instruction and support, mentoring and professional development to eight mathematics-certified teachers. Both the students and the teachers hail from Central, Science Park, Technology and Malcolm X Shabazz High Schools.
“The foundation of mathematics in many ways is going to play a very influential role in what paths you’ll confidently be able to take,” said Kevin Belfield, dean of NJIT’s College of Science and Liberal Arts (CSLA), in addressing the students.
Added Laurent Simon, vice provost, Office of Undergraduate Studies, “We know that you already have what it takes to succeed in college, so what we want to do is show you ways to realize your potential.”
CSLA math instructors were responsible for the teachers, while CPCP led the student activities for MSI. Special acknowledgment was given to Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences Bruce Bukiet and Department Chair Jonathan Luke, as well as CPCP’s Director of Special Projects Levelle Burr-Alexander, for their efforts.
But it was the remarks from the participating teachers and students that especially revealed the impact such a program can have. Michelle Doctor from Central High School spoke about how MSI helped her improve her teaching strategies, while Shanieka Smith from Technology High School pointed out the valuable camaraderie she developed with teachers from all the partner schools. Among the students, Kiara Starr from Central shared that MSI taught her leadership skills and showed her how capable she is, while Emely Gomez from Science Park became emotional when telling the audience the program was “way more” than just math for her.
Many of the MSI summer participants are eligible to take college math classes at NJIT and all of the students will receive ongoing college prep at the university during the academic year, noted Burr-Alexander, who in her parting words at the end of the ceremony paraphrased one of the teacher’s comments about the students: “We see you as lights that have turned into lasers.”
