A partnership between Cal Poly and Santa Maria High School boosted the math skills of 20 students from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District during a weeklong algebra camp that ended on July 26.
Students from Santa Maria and Pioneer Valley high schools participated. They were given mind-teasing math problems and guided to the solutions with one-on-one instruction at Santa Maria High. During the next few months, students will get the opportunity to travel to Cal Poly and learn about university requirements and tour the campus.
Santa Maria High student Selena Valle said in a press release that the academy was both challenging and fun.
“It teaches you to open your mind and understand math better,” she said. “It’s better than being at home.”
Students volunteered to attend the second annual summer algebra program. District superintendent Mark Richardson said in the release that teachers and students found a common bond.
“It’s great to see students that are dedicated to their education and just as impressive to see our teachers dedicating their vacation time to the betterment of our students,” he said.
Cal Poly Professor Elsa Medina said she would have loved to participate in a program like the Algebra Academy when she was in high school.
“They are working together and finding solutions for themselves,” she said in the release. “Some students don’t do well at math in high school, but later fall in love with it.”
This article appears in Aug 1-8, 2013.