Math Corps, an educational outreach program with a powerful mentoring component, has worked to provide middle and high school students in the greater Philadelphia area with the kinds of educational and lifetime opportunities that all kids deserve. Since 2018, Math Corps Philly has operated out of the School of Education at Drexel University serving Philadelphia middle and high school students enrolled in local public and charter schools.
We actively work to provide students with more than learning opportunities: the camp is a place where students can experience a sense of “family”. Every student is supported emotionally, experiences mentorship, and builds meaningful and lasting friendships. We promote the values of kindness and integrity and hold our students to high standards – and ask them to have high expectations of themselves as they strive to find their greatness.
The Math Corps Philadelphia Summer Camp serves students who, in the fall, will be entering the 7th, 8th, or 9th grade. High school students entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade serve as paid Teaching Assistants (TA’s).
Schedule: Students in the program are expected to attend on time and fully all program dates.
Camp Dates: July 8, 2024 – August 1, 2024
Camp Hours: Camp will run 9:30 – 2:30 for middle schoolers and 9:00 – 3:15 for high school students.
Training Dates:
Tuition: Tuition is free for all students thanks to the support of Drexel University and the generous contributions of foundations, corporations and individuals.
For a student to be eligible for our summer camp, he/she must be entering the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the Fall and must be a resident of Philadelphia currently enrolled in a public or charter school.
Camper Application: https://forms.office.com/r/
Teaching Assistant Application: https://forms.office.com/r/
Valerie Klein, PhD – Executive Director & Site Director for Math Corps Philadelphia, Associate Clinical Professor and Program Director for Teacher Education, Drexel University.
Jason Silverman, PhD – Instructor and Minister of Humor for Math Corps Philadelphia, Professor and Program Director for MS in Mathematics Learning and Teaching, Drexel University
Information to join the Math Corps Philly Summer Camp Team will be forthcoming.
How much does it cost for students to attend Math Corps?
Tuition is free for all students thanks to the support of Drexel University and the generous contributions of foundations, corporations and individuals.
My child participated in the Math Corps last summer. Is their acceptance guaranteed next year?
No. However, Your child will receive priority consideration upon their reapplication to the program.
Where are courses for the Math Corps held?
On Drexel’s campus.
We have a family trip scheduled that conflict 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 offers tutoring support, typically online and afterschool.
Who can apply to be in the Philadelphia Math Corps?
Our summer program is open to any current 6th – 12th grade student that is either living in Philadelphia and attending a public or charter school in the city.
My high school student needs help in math. Can they apply?
Yes! We have two roles for our high school participants: Students can either be a Teaching Assistant (TA) or a Program Assistant (PA). Students who would like support developing foundational math skills will serve as a Program Assistant and offer support to the program in a different way, not necessarily in mathematics. All 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 one math class geared towards the fundamentals and another in an advanced topic. The afternoons have a rotating activity – in the past we have offered coding and robotics, virtual reality, Chess, and other games. 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 in the Math Corps. These include: a backpack, a notebook, paper, pencil, journal folder, and a Math Corps T-shirt.
Do students live on-campus during the program?
No, the Math Corps is a day camp. We do, however, provide SEPTA passes for students to travel to and from camp each day.
Is transportation provided?
No. However, the Math Corps does provide SEPTA passes for students to travel to and from camp each day.
How important is my child’s essay?
Very! The essay can tell the Selection Committee a lot about the applicant and why they want to be part of the Math Corps.
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.
Have questions? Contact us at mathcorps@drexel.edu or call 215-895-0946.
Where having fun is a daily requirement!
“I like the fact I was able to help students out and also gain positive relationships with the people I work with – it was so fun.” – TA
In summer 2019, in just four weeks, Math Corps Philly students went from a 51% pre-test average to an 87% post-test average.
“I just wanted to thank you and your team for an amazing experience…My son struggled with math for so long and the other evening when I asked him how it was going he said that you all made math fun and understandable. Thanks for the hours of planning that you put into the program. The volunteers, homework, games and lessons have all been pivotal in making [my] son more confident when it comes to math. Thank you so much.”
“From day one, whenever I pick her up, she is really enthusiastic and excited to share what concepts you guys are working on. As a parent, this is a major win!”