Newswise — The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has awarded a grant to the NYU Courant Center for Mathematical Talent (CMT) as part of a larger effort to spur interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields among high-performing, low-income students.
“We are squandering the talents of millions of students who would pursue successful and influential careers in STEM fields if only they had educational opportunities that prepared them early on,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Harold O. Levy. “The Cooke Foundation is tackling this monumental waste by supporting organizations and programs that will put low-income middle and high school students on the path to studying STEM in college and beyond.”
The $21,315 grant to CMT’s New York Math Team will support its high school mathematics squads in two events this spring: the New York State Mathematics League Competition, to be held on Long Island in April, and the American Regions Mathematics League Competition, to be held in State College, Pa. in May.
CMT, part of NYU’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, facilitates the participation of hundreds of high school students in regional and national competitions, approximately 34 percent of whom are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
“Young people with a high aptitude for mathematics who live in underserved communities have limited opportunities to bolster their mathematical talents and connect with peers who have similar interests and acumen,” explains Selin Kalaycioglu, a clinical associate professor in NYU’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. “Participating in regional and national tournaments helps to sharpen low-income students’ mathematical skills and, more importantly, is one of the key entry points for them to a community of high-achieving students.”
The grant will support the participation of eight teams with a total of 120 students, all drawn from New York City high schools, at each tournament. It will underwrite the costs of registration, bus transportation, food, lodging, coaches, and practice sessions. EDITOR’S NOTE:New York University’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences is a leading center for research and education. Established under the leadership of Richard Courant in 1935, the Courant Institute has contributed to U.S. and international science and engineering by promoting an integrated view of mathematics and computer science. The Institute is engaged in broad research activities, applying these disciplines to problems in biology, chemistry, physics, economics, and atmosphere-ocean science. The Courant Institute has played a central role in the development of applied mathematics, analysis, and computer science, and is composed of a faculty that has received numerous national and international awards in recognition of their extraordinary research accomplishments. For more information please visit www.cims.nyu.edu.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. By offering the largest scholarships in the country, in-depth academic counseling and other direct services, the Foundation seeks to help high-performing, low-income students to develop their talents and excel educationally. In addition to providing students both counseling and financial support from middle school to graduate school, the Foundation provides grants for noteworthy and innovative initiatives that support high-performing, low-income students. Founded in 2000, the Foundation has awarded over $130 million in scholarships to almost 1,900 students and over $80 million in grants. For more information please visit www.jkcf.org.
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