Mathworks accepting applications for 2014 summer math programs

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
January 13, 2014

Mathworks at Texas State University is now accepting applications for its 2014 summer math programs. Students may apply now online at www.txstate.edu/mathworks.

Texas State's acclaimed math programs engage students of all backgrounds to learn mathematics by doing mathematics. The programs include the Junior Summer Math Camps (JSMC) and the Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC). Students develop their critical and creative thinking abilities by exploring ideas, discovering numerical properties and sharing their work with others. Mathworks encourages all students to apply as early as possible to be considered for a need-based camp scholarship. Program descriptions are listed below.

Half-day JSMC in San Marcos, June 9-20

This program for 4th-8th grade students is conducted in partnership with San Marcos CISD, and will be held at San Marcos High School. This two-week day camp introduces students to algebraic concepts through hands-on activities and guided discovery learning. Levels 1-5 will be offered at the San Marcos location. All interested SMCSID students are encouraged to apply now to be considered for a camp scholarship. More information about this program is available at www.txstate.edu/mathworks/camps/half-day-jsmc.html.

Half-day JSMC in Round Rock, June 9-20

In its second year, this program is held on the Texas State Round Rock campus to serve the Austin community. Levels 1-4 of the half-day program will be offered at the Round Rock location. More information about this program is available at www.txstate.edu/mathworks/camps/half-day-jsmc.html.

Residential JSMC at Texas State, June 8-June 21

This residential program gives select 6th-8th grade students the opportunity to live on the Texas State campus for two entire weeks. The residential JSMC provides higher-level challenges, from advanced word problems to probability to geometry. As part of the program, Mathworks trains a team of four students to compete in the international Primary Math World Contest (PMWC) in Hong Kong in July. In the summer of 2013, the Mathworks team won first place overall in the PWMC, besting more than 40 other teams from across the world. More information about the residential JSMC is available at www.txstate.edu/mathworks/camps/residential-jsmc.html.

HSMC at Texas State, June 22-August 2

In its 25th year, the flagship HSMC program recruits 60 high school students from across the state and nation for an immersive and in-depth experience in doing mathematical proofs. Students develop their reasoning and logic skills, and nurture their teamwork and collaboration abilities. The program inspires, nurtures, and motivates students to pursue future degrees and careers in the STEM fields. Returning students in the program have the opportunity to conduct original math and science research under the mentorship of university faculty. The research conducted in this program has garnered national recognition for the university, including in the Siemens Competition. Texas State has helped to produce the most Siemens Competition regional finalists in the entire state of Texas. More information about this program is available at www.txstate.edu/mathworks/camps/hsmc.html.

In 2013, Mathworks launched an entrepreneurship component within the HSMC program, with the help of McCoy College professor Jim Bell. Students had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to local business leaders, including Ingram ReadyMix President Earl Ingram.

"The HSMC at Texas State University is a learning environment that surpasses any precollege program that I have ever seen," Ingram said. "Mathworks is a true win-win for young students and Texas State University."

Support for Mathworks programs comes from foundations, corporations, alumni, and other visionary individuals. The Kodosky Foundation and KLE Foundation have pledged match challenges for the Mathworks endowment, which helps to support program scholarships.

For more information about the Mathworks summer math programs, contact the office at (512) 245-3439 or at mathworks@txstate.edu. Students may apply for the programs online at www.txstate.edu/mathworks/camps/applications.