Elsa Medina & Am élie Schinck-Mikel
Mathematics Department, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo CA
USA emedina@calpoly.edu
& aschinck@calpoly.edu
Abstract
This workshop will focus on the hands-on activities used during the Cal Poly
Math Academy, which was established in the summer of 2012 in San Luis
Obispo, California. It created a partnership between Cal Poly, a State
University in California, and local high school districts to reach out to underrepresented students in STEM fields. The academy’s emphasis on the social aspects of encouraging these students to pursue careers in STEM fields will also be discussed.
Workshop Summary
The Cal Poly Math Academy project was established in the summer of 2012 in
San Luis Obispo, California. It created a partnership between Cal Poly, a State
University in California, and local high school districts to offer underrepresented students, mainly Hispanic students, an opportunity to participate in a summer program designed to engage the participants in rich problem solving and critical thinking experiences. The Math Academy is a oneweek intensive problem solving experience offered each summer. Since the majority of the summer camps or enrichment activities for high school students in the United States can be prohibitively costly, most of the parents of the targeted student population cannot afford them. For this reason, the Cal Poly
Math Academy is completely free of charge to participants.
The goals of the Math Academy are for the students to:
1.
Solve non-traditional problems designed to increase their interest in mathematics, as well as their problem solving skills and mathematical confidence. See attached sample problems from last summer.
2.
Increase their interest in pursuing a career in STEM fields
3.
Be better prepared mathematically for college
4.
Learn about the requirements and paths towards college entrance
5.
Have fun with mathematics during summer!

In this workshop we will focus on the fun mathematics problems the high school students enjoyed as well as discuss the impact the program had on the students.
Because the Cal Poly Math Academy welcomes students from diverse mathematical backgrounds, the problems posed are rich and have many access points. This means that all students can experience success in problem solving by making their own conjectures, and being persistent, all the while sharpening their critical thinking skills. By design, the program was structured to give students ownership of the problem solving process by presenting them with authentic problems without a specific method to apply.
Because of this, students feel free and flexible in their ways of thinking, gaining ownership of the mathematical experience.
In particular, all students are invited to present their creative ways of thinking which required them to construct viable arguments to be critiqued by their peers. Students from underrepresented communities may feel that their voices are not heard in a typical mathematics classroom, whether it is due to language or cultural barriers. During this program, students ’ contributions were highly valued and they felt very proud of their involvement in the mathematical discourse. This allowed them to gain confidence in their mathematical abilities.
For many of these students, this may be the first step towards imagining themselves in careers in stem fields.
Once this idea takes hold, the Math Academy also provides participating high school students an opportunity to get some financial aid information, to tour the university campus and to meet students and professors from similar backgrounds who have inspiring stories and lessons to impart. For instance, student representatives from the student group Society of Hispanic
Professional Engineers gave a motivating talk which made a lasting impact on the participants. The Math Academy is the first step in turning dreams into reality! In addition to the mathematical tasks discussed during the workshop, will also discuss the social aspects of the program. We leave you with a few words from our participants:
 “The best part of this academy was having fun while learning more about math. Meeting people and teachers was also overwhelming. This academy wasn’t what I expected, it was more. I loved it and never will forget it”.
 “The best part […] was when the two professors came and talk to us about their experiences. That really motivated me even more to become the nurse or doctor I want to be.”
 “My favorite part of the campus visit was meeting people and how they succeeded because it gives an example of what I can do.”
 “The guest speakers [were my favorite] because I learned that you can have the biggest problems and can overcome them.”

The best part of the Cal Poly visit would have to be the experiences that both the professors shared with us. I got inspired from what the teacher

from Santa Maria said. That also motivated me to show my parents that I can accomplish what I set my mind to. I enjoyed listening to the speakers and what they had to say.
 “Being able to come up with our own idea and sharing it with everyone else.”
 “It made my summer great.”