MAA Awards $178k to Engage 800 Students In Innovative Mathematics Programs Supporting Women and Students of Color

14 May 2021

Math faculty’s resilience during the pandemic creates opportunities for over 800 students at 32 institutions around the nation. This was made possible by the generous support from Mary P. Dolciani Halloran Foundation and Tensor Foundation.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 14, 2021) — Mathematical Association of America’s (MAA) outreach initiatives embody MAA’s core values: community, inclusivity, communication, and teaching & learning. In April 2021 the MAA awarded a total of $178,000 to fund faculty-led projects at 32 institutions across three programs: Tensor Women and Mathematics, Tensor SUMMA (Strengthening Underrepresented Minorities in Mathematics Achievement), Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grants.

The Tensor Foundation has funded the Tensor Women and Mathematics program since 1995. Beginning in 2005, the Foundation has also funded the Tensor SUMMA program.

The Mary P. Dolciani Halloran Foundation has been a long-time partner with the MAA. Beginning in 2010, the Foundation has generously provided funding for the Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grants.

Tensor Women and Mathematics

The Tensor Women and Mathematics program awarded grants to 8 institutions for projects designed to encourage women and girls to study and persist in mathematics. Funded projects include summer math camps, math symposiums, and math clubs.

This year's recipients are poised to continue in the footsteps of 25 years of successful program coordinators who have made deep and lasting impacts on the math community through their encouragement of girls and women in mathematics.”

Rachelle DeCoste, program director for the Tensor Women and Mathematics program

Tensor Women and Mathematics 2021 Grant Recipients

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Humber College
Mercy College
Pomona College
University of Alabama
University of Minnesota
University of South Alabama
Rice University

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Tensor SUMMA

The Tensor SUMMA program awarded grants to 15 institutions to support projects designed to encourage the pursuit and enjoyment of mathematics by students who are members of groups historically underrepresented in mathematics. These include students who are African-American, Native American, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander. Funded projects that will aid in our efforts include math circles, community-building efforts, and virtual resources.

As the new director of the program, I am excited to work with all of this year’s recipients! We have some exciting programs that will have an extraordinary impact by supporting minoritized groups in the mathematics community.”

Candice Price, program director for the Tensor SUMMA program

Tensor SUMMA 2021 Grant Recipients

American Institute of Mathematics
Bryn Mawr College
California State University, East Bay
California State University Dominguez Hills Foundation
California State University Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation
California State University, Long Beach
Clayton State University
James Madison University
Kalamazoo College
Sacramento State Sponsored Research
San Francisco State University
The University of Texas at Austin
University of Hawaii
University of San Diego
Youngstown State University

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Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grants

The Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grants program awarded funds to 9 institutions to develop and offer programs designed to encourage middle and high school students' further study in mathematics through engagement with mathematics not ordinarily in the standard curriculum. The funded projects give students opportunities to creatively problem-solve through participating in summer camps, attending STEM events, and going on field trips.

Every year it is exciting to see the innovative ways in which universities build relationships with local schools, and also involve undergraduate and graduate students and teachers in these projects in meaningful ways.”

Nancy Ann Neudauer, program director for the Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grants program.

Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grants 2021 Recipients

Cornell University
Dixie State University
Friends University
Kent State University at Stark
Montana State University Billings
Rockhurst University
The Ohio State University
University of Iowa
West Virginia University

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“The MAA is grateful for the support of the Tensor and Dolciani Halloran Foundations,” said Michael Pearson, executive director of the Mathematical Association of America. “Through our partnerships, we are able to engage the next generation of STEM leaders through innovative programs developed and led by members of the MAA community.”

About MAA

The Mathematical Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. We accelerate the understanding of our world through mathematics because mathematics drives society and shapes our lives. Learn more at maa.org.

Hope Longe

Communications Coordinator at Mathematical Association of America