From the start, Math Corps has worked to provide children with the kinds of educational and lifetime opportunities that all children deserve. In cities where the obstacles to success are so daunting and where the public school system has been lacking for years, the Math Corps has from the beginning been about closing gaps, making a difference, and changing lives.
In 2020, Oakland University joined the Math Corps family and launched a summer camp to serve middle and high school students from Pontiac, MI. In the midst of a pandemic, the OU Math Corps was eagerly received by the community, and excitement continues to grow as they prepare for another year of helping kids realize their inner greatness.
Lead support for the Oakland University Math Corps comes from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, PNC Foundation, and the Oakland University Credit Union.
The OU Math Corps 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 will 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 all necessary supplies to participate. Bussing will also be provided.
Schedule: Students in the program are expected to attend on time and fully all program dates.
Camp Dates: Monday, July 8th, 2024 – Thursday, August 1st, 2024
Camp Hours: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders, 9:00 am – 3:15 pm for 10th, 11th and 12th graders
Food: Breakfast is served daily for middle schoolers who arrive before 9 a.m. and lunch is served daily for all.
Tuition: Tuition is free for all students thanks to the support of Oakland University and the generous contributions of foundations, corporations and individuals.
As made apparent in Math Corps’ mission statement, parents and families hold a special and unique place in the Math Corps philosophy and are considered to play an integral role in the success of students.
Here in the Math Corps program, we believe that the key to student success more than anything else is the active involvement of our students’ families. As a result, we respectfully ask and expect that all of our parents/guardians will work to uphold the following high standards and expectations that we hold for all of our students:
To be eligible for the OU Math Corps Summer Camp, middle school campers must be:
To be eligible for the Teaching Assistant job at OU Math Corps Summer Camp, high schoolers must be:
Anna Spagnuolo is the Executive Director of the Oakland University Math Corps, and is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Who can apply to be in the Math Corps?
Any current 6th-8th grade student, or 9th-11th grade student attending school in Pontiac may apply to be in the OU Math Corps.
How much does it cost for students to attend Math Corps?
There is no cost for students to attend the Math Corps.
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.
My child participated in the Math Corps last summer. Is their acceptance guaranteed next year?
No, all students must reapply, complete the application process and fulfill the criteria for eligibility. However, returning students receive priority consideration upon their reapplication to the program.
My child was placed on the waiting list last year. If they reapply for this year, will they be accepted?
Re-applicants are truly special, as it conveys determination and perseverance! While acceptance is not guaranteed for a re-applicant, their application is given higher consideration than one that comes to us for the first time.
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 a wide variety of skill levels, there is no definitive 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.
Is the Math Corps an “everyday” program?
During the summer, Math Corps programs typically run Monday through Thursday. The summer closing ceremonies typically take place on a Friday evening.
Are there any after-school activities for my child to participate in?
During the school year, there currently are not any after school activities conducted by the Math Corps.
We have a family trip scheduled that conflicts with the first day/first week of 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.
What supplies does my child need to bring everyday?
All necessary supplies are provided for every student in the Math Corps. These include: notebook, paper, pencil, journal folder, and a T-shirt, which must be worn every Thursday.
Do students live on-campus during the program?
No, the Math Corps is not an in-residence program.
Where are courses for the Math Corps held?
In 2023, OU Math Corps classes will be held on Oakland University’s campus.
