NSF Connect




ABOUT
CONNECT is a mentoring network which evolved from a symbiotic relationship between four established school-university research projects in mathematics education. Unified by the goal of quality mathematics education for ALL, collectively these projects provide academic, financial, and mentoring support to underrepresented populations for pre-service education, professional development and student mastery. This partnership is the foundation for the existence of mentorships between permutations of college students, university faculty, 6th-12th grade students and secondary school teachers. CONNECT combines the human and financial resources of the university with those of low performing schools to accomplish three major goals: Increase the available pool of qualified mathematics teachers. Develop programs, projects, and evaluation/research efforts, designed to increase student achievement. Enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of those now teaching mathematics. An outcome of these collective efforts was the creation of research opportunities for university faculty and graduate students. The recently NSF funded Mathematical ACTS (EHR-0226948) typifies the research enterprise stimulated by the relationships developed in CONNECT. Annually CONNECT impacts approximately 45 college pre-service students, 90 in-service teachers, 10 college faculty, and (directly 1300, indirectly 2700) 6th-12th grade students and compares student achievement, teacher development and career growth as a function of extended learning opportunities, mentoring and professional development training. CONNECT’s impact is evident by the change in university institutional structure reflected through academic coursework and program development and at the schools districts by improved student achievement, standard based curriculum in mathematics and professional development opportunities for teachers.

PROGRAM LINKS
Please click on the links below to learn about the programs that comprise NSF Connect. To view a program chart, click here (PDF).

	MATE (Mathematics Academy for Teaching Excellence) MATE is a summer intensive, year long program for 5th through 12th grade teachers. The program is designed to connect the resources of the University with the talents and vision of school districts, with the goal of addressing the needs of students in the area of mathematics.
	CTFMS (Community Teaching Fellowships in Mathematics and Science) The CTFMS program is a part of an overall master plan to improve mathematics and science education in the Inland Empire. Programmatic connections to NSF Mathematical ACTS, UCR's Graduate School of Education, to Riverside County Office of Education, and are collaborative and symbiotic. The goals of CTFMS are: to provide professional development and a mentoring setting for college mathematics/science majors who want to become teachers; to improve student achievement; and to update the mathematics/science content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge of classroom teachers.
	GEMS (Girls Excelling in Mathematics with Success - Middle School) Project GEMS is a summer academy of learning for girls entering middle school 7th and 8th grade. The focus is on mathematics as it relates to college and to business. The purpose of the program is to empower girls entering middle school with: knowledge about Mathematics, knowledge about Community Service, knowledge about mentoring and supporting one another.
	Healthy Body-Healthy Mind (A Program for Students in Health, Education and Fitness) Healthy Body-Healthy Mind is a weeklong summer program for middle school students, which focuses on developing a well-rounded individual by balancing the role of health education, fitness, nutrition and a positive mental attitude. Students will receive instruction in mathematics as it relates to health, physical education as it relates to a healthy lifestyle, self-motivation and character development. The goal of this project is to stimulate an awareness and exploration of self through engaging and motivational activities, which inform and challenge the body and mind.

NEWS
Read the Press Release about Project Connect here (PDF). Right: Dr. Pamela Clute receives the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring for her project CONNECT.