I’m proud to serve as a board member of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) which has come into being at a critical time for the US, as we are facing growing gaps in math proficiency, and where our mission is to ensure that the world of mathematical exploration and discovery is accessible to all.

Why we need to act

Growing gaps in math proficiency affect Americans, American jobs, American innovation and leadership, our national security and our future as a people and as a country. We lack a steady pipeline of domestic STEM talent. Women and minorities continue to be extremely underrepresented in STEM fields. Meanwhile, research has identified the early development of a positive self-image around mathematics as critical to future academic achievement, and only 18 percent of low-income students are proficient in 8th grade math – a critical gateway course for success in college, career, and the skilling of the U.S. economy.

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Impact 

Ensuring that the world of mathematical exploration and discovery is accessible to all is a the core of MoMath’s mission. As Manhattan’s only hands-on science center
and the nation’s only museum centered on mathematics, MoMath has demonstrated the power g hands-on math to children and adult alike, and is committed to bringing the wonder and beauty of mathematics, as well as its rich history as a human and cultural endeavor to growing audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Over 1 million people, including 250,000 students,  have experienced MoMath exhibits since MoMath opened its pi-handled doors to the public in 2012. Millions more have experienced its dynamic programs and traveling exhibits, serving people across the United States and in 10 countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and  its online programing, which has reached school children in more than 100 countries.

Throughout its history, MoMath has created and implemented many innovative programs aimed at encouraging young people of all backgrounds — especially those that have traditionally been underrepresented in STEM fields — to engage with mathematics. These include MoMath’s Maxima program which provides free field trips to MoMath for children attending Title I schools, and its “The Limit Does Not Exist” program through which tween and teen girls get the opportunity to discuss with a diverse group of female and gender-minority mathematicians their research and their  personal journey.

And because math educators have a key role to play as agents of change to excite young people about math, the Museum awards annually, to a classroom teacher in the United States, the Rosenthal Prize for Innovation and Inspiration in Math Teaching to recognize and promote hands-on math teaching in upper elementary and middle school classrooms.

Support

You can support MoMath and its mission to ensure the world of mathematical exploration and discovery is accessible to all by:

Your gift will help to ensure that MoMath continues to meet the growing demand for its online programs during the COVID shutdown, while also positioning the Museum for a successful reopening.