Mathematics is Focus of Two Grants CAMPUS CURRENT


Community Connections HOMEWORK HOTLINE AND UPWARD BOUND IMPACT THE NEXT GENERATION


Homework Hotline HMC Homework Hotline, launched in 2010 in conjunction with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, helped 2,478 students last fall, representing a 21 percent increase in the number of fourth- through 12th-graders successfully coached through the free, over-the-phone, math- and science-tutoring program. Much of the program’s success can be traced to its tutors and local school district partners. “Our tutors create a safe and welcoming learning environ-


ment where student callers feel comfortable tackling the challenge of solving diffi cult mathematics and science home- work questions,” said Gabriela Gamiz, director of community engagement. “Our educators help us get our program informa- tion to students and families and keep us in mind for events where program information can be provided.” This spring, all tutors received National Tutoring Associa-


tion basic-level training, further boosting their skills. Their aim is to collaborate with callers on solving one homework question and then encouraging them to solve similar problems on their own, inviting them to call back if needed. The team of 36 tutors included 11 seniors, who served as


tutors from the hotline’s inception: Eric Anderson, Michael Brill, Johnathan Chai, Moriah Gelder, Richard Hsieh, Matthew Kweon, Kevin Leyden, Laura Maguire, Carola Purser, Richard Sayanagi and Emma Van Burns.


Upward Bound HMC’s Upward Bound program surpassed its goals for the 2011–2012 academic year, continuing on a successful course and aiming for even greater achievements. The federally funded program helps low-income and poten-


tial fi rst-generation college students improve their chances of getting into and graduating from a post-secondary institution. Ninety percent of the high school seniors who participated


in the program last year are enrolled in college today, with the majority attending a four-year institution. Ninety-two of the 128 participants improved their grade point average, repre- senting a 33 percent increase over last year’s program results. “It’s an accomplishment we share as a team,” said Angie


Covarrubias Aguilar, HMC Upward Bound program director. “We have an incredibly strong program made up of wonderful students, parents, alumni, mentors, faculty and staff who have dedicated an enormous amount of time to the success of our students and our program.” HMC’s Upward Bound program was recently granted


more than $3.25 million in federal funds to support its next fi ve years of operation. The award also boosts the program’s objectives: Increase participation to 145 students annually, and show that 60 percent completed a degree within six years after high school graduation.


College News


Commencement Speaker Aims to Transform Science Education


Carl Wieman, Nobel Laureate and outspoken advocate for improving science education, delivered the keynote address at HMC’s 55th Commence- ment ceremony May 19. Wieman, who received


Carl Wieman


the 2001 Nobel Prize in Phys- ics for the creation of the fi rst Bose–Einstein condensation,


has research interests in both atomic physics and the quantita- tive study of undergraduate science education. He founded the Science Education Initiative at the University of Colorado and the


Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative at the University of Brit- ish Columbia. The two centers work to improve teaching in large, research-intensive science departments by creating and testing innovative teaching methods and technologies. He also launched the Physics Education Technology Project (PhET), a group that uses online interactive simulations for teaching about natural-world phe- nomena. Students and teachers worldwide run PhET’s simulations. In 2010, Wieman was appointed associate director for science


in the Obama White House Offi ce of Science and Technology Policy. For two years, he helped drive the White House’s effort to improve science and math education.


Wieman at Commencement, www.youtube.com/harveymuddcollege


SPRING 2013 Har vey Mudd College 5


UBC OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS


VIDEO


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