For over half a century, the Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM), a summer program for high schoolers, has had a tremendous impact on American mathematics and remains a paragon of questing for knowledge.
The Bard Math Circle is excited to share a documentary about one of the most prominent summer math programs for high school students. This film is suitable for all ages. Join us for this free Math Movie Night!
Film: Special HCSSiM Documentary, Hunting Yellow Pigs (2025)
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Time: Doors open at 4:15pm. The movie will run from 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM
Location: Weiss Cinema at Campus Center, 30 Campus Rd, Bard College, NY
Cost: Free!
Tickets: Visit Eventbrite to get your free tickets.
“When I was in high school, I went to a program called the Hampshire College Summer Studies in Math (HCSSiM). I spent six weeks during the summer learning about mathematics: number theory, group theory, mathematical induction, combinatorics, and more. The approach was effective, creative, community-building, and fun! I’m probably a math professor today because of what I learned there. My vision for the Bard Math Circle, especially the Bard Math CAMP, is greatly influenced by my experiences at HCSSiM.”
–Japheth Wood, Director of the Bard Math Circle and the Bard Math CAMP
Hunting Yellow Pigs aims to capture the essence of HCCSiM in a 90-minute documentary. The filmmakers filmed during the 2023 HCSSiM program, interviewed students, staff, and alumni, and have done a wonderful job conveying the mathematical joy that has influenced over 5 decades of students.
Watch the Hunting Yellow Pigs trailer:
The future of HCSSiM
In 2014, HCSSiM alumni founded the YP Math Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to ensure the longevity of the program. Since then, HCSSiM has transitioned from Hampshire College to the YP Math Foundation, which now fully administers the program. With the closing of Hampshire College in December 2026, the program is in the process of moving to a new home for summer 2027. Stay tuned!
Summer Math Programs
The ecosystem of Summer Math Programs has grown greatly since the early days. The most active and robust programs have formed the Summer Mathematics Programs Consortium. You can find a list of excellent programs on the Consortium Membership Page and also in this AoPS Wiki.
The Bard Math Circle has run the Bard Math CAMP (Creative & Analytical Math Program) since 2014. CAMP is a one-week non-residential math program for middle school students. Many of our alumni have gone on to other summer math programs (including HCSSiM), to great colleges, graduate schools, and professional careers.