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Top Funders Come Together to Deliver Collaborative Summer Math Program

SAN JOSE, CA. – The Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF), in collaboration with partners ALearn and The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, have received grants from major corporations and foundations to expand their summer math program called the Stepping Up to Algebra/Math Acceleration Program (SUTA/MAP Program). This summer enrichment program helps improve student algebra skills and helps close the region’s achievement gap.

Funders of this innovative math program include Target, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, The Knight Foundation, Flextronics, SAP Labs, Google, SanDisk Corp., HP, Juniper Networks, Microsoft, Google, Wal-Mart, Pacific Service Credit Union and Boston Scientific Foundation.

“We are very pleased to be the recipient of grants from these top corporations and foundations to continue our work in narrowing the achievement gap,” said Muhammed Chaudhry, SVEF President & CEO. “This funding will help us nearly triple the number of students we served over last year.”

The SUTA/MAP Program helps entering 7th and 8th graders fill in pre-algebra gaps before enrolling in Algebra I, which better prepares them for high school math courses. About 1,200 students in nine Santa Clara County school districts will be enrolled in the 4-week summer program for 2010, nearly three times the 450 students in seven districts who took part in the 2009 program. Last year’s students posted an overall increase in algebra proficiency of more than 20%, based on pre- and post-program testing.

“The partnership of our three organizations is crucial in today’s funding climate. These close private-public partnerships are especially necessary in these times when school budgets are being cut and the need is so great. The transformative impact we will have on these students and their learning is really exciting,” says Kathryn S. Hanson, CEO, ALearn.

“The Hispanic Foundation is committed to closing the achievement gap for Latino students, especially in the areas of math and science. Partnering in this program helps us serve more students and make a real impact,” says Ron Gonzales, President and CEO of The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley.

Major program funders, like Target, are helping to expand the program to the San Jose Unified School District. Benny Boveda, District Manager for Target, said, “We are delighted to be part of this effort to improve student math skills because of its importance to the future of Silicon Valley. This is a valuable program, especially given that schools are offering fewer academic resources and eliminating summer schools.”

In addition to San Jose Unified School District, other participating districts include Alum Rock Union School District, Berryessa Union School District, Franklin-McKinley School District, Milpitas Unified School District, Mount Pleasant School District, Oak Grove School District, Orchard School District and Sunnyvale School District.

About SVEF:
Silicon Valley Education Foundation focuses on raising student performance in the critical areas of math and science across Santa Clara County’s 33 school districts. Our goal is to be the leading advocate for public education in our region. We are known for our focus on achieving results, partnering and emphasizing creativity and innovation.

About ALearn:
ALearn is a non-profit organization committed to helping under-represented students get to and succeed in college. Our programs enhance the opportunities, access and advancement to college for students who will be the first in their family to go to college.