Giving Tuesday
Bard Math Circle
a 4-set Venn diagram!
Well, that was embarassing! You received the Giving Tuesday email yesterday, but there was no donation link! The good news is that …
We’ve Found The Missing Link! 🔗
Many thanks to a few intrepid supporters who sleuthed out the link and made a gift to support math enrichment in the Mid-Hudson Valley. If you were meaning to donate, but stymied by the omission, please give us a second chance, and donate today.
Giving Tuesday
I’m reaching out to you today because I believe in the power of math to inspire young minds. I’m also writing to ask for you to help the Bard Math Circle.
If you are ready to give, here’s the button! 😀
Please also read this full message so that I can catch you up on the Bard Math Circle.
Support Us
Your gift to the Bard Math Circle is always welcome.
How did we start, and why?
The Bard Math Circle started in 2007 to ignite and sustain a passion for math in kids. We've been doing this through a variety of programs:. The biggest issue we identified back then was that many children were losing their passion for math during the middle school years. We hoped that an intervention in grades 5-8 would help math kids keep up their math shine on into their high school and beyond. I think we have been successful!
Back when we started, we primarily used two modes of programming. Library-based math circles, and math contests. Both these styles challenge students to go beyond what they encounter in their math classroom, and develop a deeper understanding. Contests leverage students’ competitive natures, especially to increase achievement, hone accuracy, and develop speed. Library-based programming nurtures students’ curiosity and exploration within a social context. Both approaches offer opportunity for kids to adapt their knowledge to novel and unexpected challenges.
Expanded Programming
In 2014 we started the Bard Math CAMP (note the acronym for "Creative and Analytical Math Program"). Students explore a different mathematical theme each summer through the perspectives of Math, Computer Science, and Art. CAMP is both very creative and analytical! Many students have returned each summer until they age out, so several years ago, we added a high school volunteer role. Even then, some CAMP alumni continue to be part of our growing math community as staff members, on into their college years and beyond. CAMP was designed for local students within driving distance of the idyllic and secluded Bard College campus. Because of its high quality, CAMP has also consistently attracted a national audience.
In 2020 we started our STEM Tutor Network, to provide low cost and high quality math tutoring to our community, as well as intellectually stimulating employment opportunities to Bard’s diverse and talented student body. Tutoring is moving along fine, although we currently have a short waiting list.
Pi Day in the Mid-Hudson Valley! Last year we collaborated with SUNY New Paltz education professors to establish Pi Day traditions. Let’s make it happen again, and bigger, in 2025!
Will you make a donation to support CAMP?
Your generous donation will directly support our programs, especially the Bard Math CAMP. This unique program offers a transformative experience for students, but it relies heavily on donations to provide need-based scholarships and competitive stipends for our dedicated staff.
Will you make a donation to support our future?
I’m also very excited to announce our new Parent's Workshop pilot program, which will provide valuable insights and tools for parents to support their children's math education. The Parent’s Workshop will initially run alongside our Family Math Afternoon at the Kingston Library this Spring.
We have other ambitious plans for future programs and partnerships. Your support will help us expand our reach and impact even further.
How You Can Help
Donate: Every dollar counts! Your donation will directly support our programs and scholarships.
Volunteer: Share your passion for math by volunteering your time as a tutor, mentor, or workshop leader.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends, family, and colleagues.
Together, we can inspire the next generation of mathematicians and problem-solvers.
Thank you for your support!
Japheth
Japheth Wood, PhD
Director, Bard Math Circle and Co-Director, Bard Math CAMP
Continuing Associate Professor of Mathematics, Bard College
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