Akamai Foundation awards $25,000 to support high schools in the Mass Math + Science Initiative
Contact: Erin Mackey Kistler, 617-778-1515, ekistler@massinsight.org
CAMBRIDGE – The Akamai Foundation today announced a $25,000 grant to support the Mass Math + Science Initiative (MMSI), the largest statewide high school math and science education program in the Commonwealth.
In 45 Massachusetts public high schools, MMSI is improving student participation and performance in college-level Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The Akamai funding will help MMSI to deepen its teacher training and student support programs focused on college readiness.
“We’re proud to support the Mass Math + Science Initiative and its proven approach to engaging high school students in rigorous mathematics education,” said Paul Sagan, Akamai CEO. “The Akamai Foundation remains committed to inspiring young people to embrace math and become the next generation of technology innovators.”
Morton Orlov II, President of the Mass Math + Science Initiative, said, “We are achieving impressive results because of powerful partnerships among schools, families, communities, and business leaders. We’re grateful to the Akamai Foundation for investing in the future of Massachusetts by helping to develop the math and science professionals of tomorrow.”
In its first three years, MMSI has increased AP enrollments in participating schools from about 4,000 to more than 8,000 today. Among the first 21 high schools in the program, MMSI has nearly doubled the number of passing scores on AP math, science and English exams. In 2008, these schools posted only 1,042 passing or “qualifying” scores (math, science or English AP scores of 3 or higher). In 2010, that number grew to 2,044 – a 96% increase in two years, significantly outpacing state and national gains during the same period. According to national research, students who pass at least one AP exam are three times more likely to graduate from college than those who do not.
In 2007, Massachusetts was one of six states selected by the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) to receive a three-year, privately funded grant to replicate a highly successful program AP expansion in the Dallas Public Schools. In order to sustain and expand the program, participating states must secure additional public and private funding.
About MMSI Launched in 2007 by Mass Insight Education in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, MMSI now partners with 45 public schools and is the largest statewide high school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education program. MMSI expands access and improves outcomes in college-level courses, particularly among Black, Hispanic, low-income, female and other student groups under-represented in AP classes, in order to prepare them for highly skilled STEM careers. The MMSI approach includes extensive teacher training and mentoring, tutoring and other academic supports for students, as well as privately-funded financial awards for teachers and students. Schools participating in the program sign performance agreements with MMSI, which include specific enrollment and achievement targets. For more information about MMSI, visit www.massinsight.org/mmsi and follow @massmathscience on Twitter.
About the Akamai Foundation Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Akamai Foundation was established in 2000 by Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKAM) and is funded solely by Akamai executives, its employees and individuals outside the company. The Akamai Foundation is dedicated to excellence in mathematics, with the aim of promoting math’s importance and encouraging America’s next generation of technology innovators.