GVSU online summer math program offers college-going students updated instruction, credits and coaching

The transition to college can be stressful at any time, let alone during the COVID-19 disruption. For some students math can be especially stressful and a perceived roadblock to success, especially 2020 high school seniors who may have missed mathematics instruction due to the COVID-19 crisis.

In an effort to make the transition to college-level mathematics easier for students in West Michigan, Grand Valley State University is offering an online summer math program to help Class of 2020 seniors who have lost instructional time.

The program is part of Grand Valley's NextGateway: The Digital & Math Advantage initiative, which also includes professional remote instruction support for area PK-12 teachers.

The Math Advantage program gives students the tools to be successful in an online class, while learning college math and earning four credits. The program also offers tutoring and one-on-one success coaching.

Financial assistance for tuition and technology is available to those who qualify by filling out a simple form. After participants apply to the Math Advantage program they will receive details about their class, their support coach and other resources, and will receive an easy application for tuition and technology assistance, if needed. The online text and materials are free for all students in the program.

Maria Cimitile, provost and executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at Grand Valley, said COVID-19 is threatening to add several months to the summer learning loss trend. 

"This summer program specifically focuses on responding to the needs of students to help them catch up in math studies that may have been interrupted by COVID-19 school closings," Cimitile said. "Our goal is to give students the tools and resources they need to empower them to succeed. Along with helping students succeed, our College of Education faculty are reaching out to K-12 teachers to be sure they have the tools they need to successfully teach online classes."

Math Advantage program highlights:

• A six-week, first-year, online course beginning June 22; deadline to register is June 15

• Each section is limited to 20 students

• The four-credit course is open to college-bound 2020 high school graduates, whether planning on attending Grand Valley or another school

• Must have completed Algebra 1 in high school; class will focus on symbolic, numeric and graphic approach to intermediate algebra with an emphasis on applications

• A simple process is available for financial assistance for tuition and technology for those who qualify 

Students can apply by visiting www.gvsu.edu/mathadvantage. For more information, call (616) 331-2025 or email [email protected].

PK-12 Digital Proficiency Readiness Project 

• Supports PK-12 educators and school districts by creating a self-guided, professionally coached offering to advance digital proficiency to meet the growing demands of remote instruction

• This project complements efforts already in place in PK-12 school districts. Existing learning resources will be enhanced with tutorials and tip sheets

• GVSU College of Education and University Libraries will collaborate to offer and deliver digital instructional media and materials

Educators can access resources at www.gvsu.edu/library/cml/online-teaching-resources-72.htm