GRANTS FOR
TENSOR-SUMMA PROGRAM: STRENGTHENING UNDERREPRESENTED
MINORITY MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT
The Tensor Foundation has provided funding for the MAA to award grants
for programs designed to encourage pursuit and enjoyment of mathematics
among middle school students, high school students, and/or beginning
college students from groups traditionally under-represented in the
field of mathematics. College and university mathematical
sciences faculty and their departments and institutions may submit
proposals. They should collaborate with secondary and middle
school mathematics faculty as appropriate depending on the focus of the
project. Proposed programs may replicate existing successful
programs, adapt components of such programs, or be innovative. There is
also related information on the Tensor
Grants for Women and Mathematics.
OBJECTIVES
Programs should provide enrichment activities which lead to heightened
interest in and appreciation of mathematics. The programs should
encourage students to continue studies of mathematics in high school
and college and should better prepare them for those studies.
Programs are designed for promising students and are not intended for
remedial help for students who need assistance in order to succeed in
their coursework in mathematics. Undergraduate and graduate students
may provide role models and work directly with students under the
tutelage of faculty from both the college or university and middle or
high school. Programs may also benefit both college and
pre-college students.
Active engagement in doing mathematics and mentoring of each student
participant are essential features. Students should be made aware
of career opportunities in mathematics and mathematically intensive
disciplines.
Programs should be conducted over a sufficient period of time to engage
student participants in learning and applying new and interesting
mathematics that they will not otherwise encounter in their
classes. Programs may be conducted during summer and/or during
the school year, on weekends and/or after school. The Tensor
funding may be used to supplement existing programs in order to
increase the number of minority students participating in those
programs or may be used to initiate new programs. Program funding
is restricted to activities that are not typically part of school
budgets.
SAMPLE ACTIVITIES:
Math club activities
Student group and individual research experiences
Math Circles
Summer mathematics camp
Preparation for competitions such as the Putnam
Competition for college students, MAA American Mathematics Competitions
for middle and high school students, and other regional and national
competitions
NATURE OF THE GRANT
Grants will be up to $6000 and will be made to the institution of the
project director for a one-year project. An institution is
expected to supply matching funds or in-kind support as an indication
of commitment to the project. These grants will not support any
institutional indirect costs or provide fringe benefits. To
provide maximum flexibility, unexpended funds may be carried
forward. Some grants may be renewed for a maximum of two renewals.
WHO MAY APPLY
Applications will be accepted from college and university mathematical
sciences faculty. They must be working with secondary or middle
school mathematics faculty on projects that target those
students.
PROPOSAL REVIEW
Proposals will be reviewed by a panel which will include members of the
MAA Committee on Minority Participation, other MAA members, and a
trustee of the Tensor Foundation acting as an advisor.