Help Our Schools Close the Achievement Gap in Math—Your March Donation Will be Matched!
An anonymous donor has generously agreed to match up to $25,000 in donations to the Newton Schools Foundation during the month of March to support the Calculus Project! The Calculus Project is an ambitious effort to narrow the achievement gap in mathematics in Newton’s middle and high schools by increasing the number of African American, Hispanic and low-income students who enroll in and successfully complete higher level math in high school.
With just close to $9,000 in donations, they are 1/3 of the way to meeting the goal with just over two weeks left. Help NSF reach $25,000 to get the full match and have a profound impact on narrowing the achievement gap in our schools.
Please click here and Donate today!
Research indicates that success in higher-level high school mathematics is strongly associated with college enrollment and is the strongest predictor of college completion. Students participating in the Calculus Project attend intensive, small group summer classes and enrichment activities, meet regularly with mentors, and receive weekly after-school tutoring. The Calculus Project also uses the Pride Curriculum, designed to shift self-perceptions about academic accomplishment as students gain skills and competence.
Students enter the Calculus Project as rising 7th graders and continue through high school to graduation. Currently 95 students have participated since the program’s 2013 launch, and that number continues to grow.
The Calculus Project costs more than $100,000 per year, and the cost will continue to increase as the program expands. While the cost is partially covered by the Newton Public Schools operating budget, the school department relies on NSF to help support the expenses of tutoring, the summer program, enrichment activities and modest program supplies.
Make your gift count twice when you donate to Newton Schools Foundation during the March match challenge. Every donation, large or small, counts!