Closely following the educational and mentoring practices of the Math Corps, a program that started “as a humanitarian effort to simply help some kids in need”, in 1992 at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, the Math Corps at the University of South Alabama is launching in 2023 with its inaugural Summer Camp! The Math Corps is about more than math skills: we prioritize mentorship through a “kids teaching kids” model, provide a positive learning environment and a strong sense of family.
During camp, middle and high school students come together with college students and mathematicians in a university setting to share in the learning of mathematics. All kids receive instruction in both the basics and advanced topics, and having fun is a program requirement. Most importantly, the Math Corps offers students a vision of the world that begins with the message of “Be Yourself” – as there is greatness within!
Lead support for the Math Corps at South comes from the National Science Foundation.
Have questions? Contact us
Joanna Furno at jfurno@southalabama.edu
The University of South Alabama Math Corps Summer Camp serves students who, in the fall, will be entering the 7th, or 8th grade. High school students entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade serve as paid Teaching Assistants (TA’s).
Each day the middle school students receive instruction from University faculty and enjoy a variety of learning activities led by the college and high school students under the supervision of middle and high school teachers. The high school TAs serve as natural role models for the middle school students, and engage in their own learning of both fundamental and advanced mathematics.
Students accepted into the program receive:
Schedule: Students in the program are expected to attend on time and fully all program dates.
Camp Dates: Monday, June 3rd – Thursday, June 27th, 2024
Camp Hours:
Tuition: Tuition is free for all students thanks to the support of the University of South Alabama and the generous contributions of foundations, corporations and individuals.
For a student to be eligible for our summer camp, he/she must be a public school student residing in Mobile, or other local communities.
Apply to be a Middle School Camper
Apply to be a High School Teaching Assistant
Apply to be a College Instructor
Dr. Joanna Furno Executive Director, Mobile Math Corps at the University of South Alabama – Assistant Professor of Mathematics – jfurno@southalabama.edu
Dr. Elena Pavelescu Co-Director, Mobile Math Corps at University of South Alabama, Associate Professor of Mathematics – elenapavelescu@southalabama.edu
How much does it cost for students to attend Math Corps?
Tuition is free for all students thanks to the support of the University of South Alabama and the generous contributions of foundations, corporations and individuals.
Where are courses for the Math Corps held?
Classes are held on the campus of The University of South Alabama.
We have a family trip scheduled that conflicts with the Math Corps. Can my child be excused?
The Math Corps’ philosophy on attendance is this: one cannot learn if one is not present. Therefore, absences due to family trips, vacations, conflicts with other programs, or similar cases are not excused.
Is the Math Corps an “everyday” program?
During the Summer, Math Corps programs usually run Monday through Thursday, with Friday being an optional day of instruction for the students. During the Fall, Winter and Spring, Math Corps programs usually run on Saturdays only.
Who can apply to be in the Math Corps at South ?
Our summer program is open to any current 6th and 7th grader, or 10th–12th grade student that is attending a public or charter school within Mobile or other neighboring communities.
My high school student needs help in math. Can they apply?
Yes! However, due to the special tutoring nature of the position that high school students occupy within the Math Corps, they must at least be proficient in 7th and 8th grade Mathematics. High school students will receive instruction and assistance in their Mathematics courses during the latter part of each program day.
What do you teach the students?
Each middle school student gets what we call broccoli and ice cream. One math class geared towards the fundamentals and another in an advanced topic. The afternoons have a rotating list of courses that are more hands-on, and feature applied mathematical concepts such as Mod Art and Polyhedra. Our high school students spend half their day tutoring and mentoring middle school students, with the second half of their day being spent in their own math classes.
What supplies does my child need to bring every day?
All necessary supplies are provided for every student Math Corps. These include: notebook, paper, pencil, journal folder, calculator (for new students only), and a Math Corps T-shirt.
Only if you wish them to. The Math Corps provides a light breakfast and lunch every day, Monday through Thursday, at no charge to students. Lunch can be brought from home if the lunch selection is not to the students’ liking.
Do students live on-campus during the program?
No. They may arrive to campus as early as 8:30 am each morning and be under supervision. Middle students are dismissed at 2:30 pm, and high school students are dismissed at 3:15 pm every day.
Is transportation provided?
While details are not fully known, Math Corps at South hopes to be able to provide transportation free of charge for students.
How important is my child’s essay?
Very! The essay can tell the Selection Committee a lot about the needs, self-esteem, and desire of the applicant to join the Math Corps. It is a very important document that is kept in the Math Corps files for years.
How can my child increase their chances of getting accepted in the Math Corps?
Because the Math Corps accepts such a wide variety of students at various skill levels, there is no definite answer to this question. However, there are two things that can truly give more weight to an applicant: an application that is on time, and 100% complete.
