The MVCC Math Corps Philosophy

Math Corps is guided by a six-part philosophy that filters through all of its programs:

A sense of family

From the outset, students are made to feel that they belong to something very special, and that staff truly cares about them as individuals. The structure and nature of the program cultivates strong big-brother/big-sister relationships among students at all levels — middle school, high school, and college.

High standards and expectations

All students are expected to meet high academic standards regardless of past performance. Rigorous demands are placed on students concerning discipline, attendance, punctuality, and the completion of daily homework assignments.

Learning in groups and through exploration and discovery

With a strong emphasis on mathematical problem-solving and exploration, activities incorporate group learning, open discussion, and cooperation with one another.

Math, math, math

Mathematics is viewed as paramount, and the notion that mathematics can be interesting and even fun is promoted and readily accepted. Beyond the regular classroom instruction, mathematics is presented via games, competitions, investigations, art, music, special projects, and computer-based activities.

Challenge rather than remediate

As a result of the program, students come to view mathematics as a sense-making activity of which they themselves are quite capable.

Students teaching students

Students at each level interact with others who are a bit farther along in their mathematical development. Learning is two-way: Middle school students learn from high school students and high school students learn from college students. Older learners become natural role models who support their younger counterparts in ways that reach well beyond the realm of academics. Everyone deepens their own understanding of mathematics while, and perhaps even more importantly, boosting their own self-esteem.