Outreach Grantee Highlight: University of Guam

The MAA Programs Team is excited to announce our new Grantee Highlight Stories series! Over the next few months, we will be highlighting some of our amazing grantees and all that they have accomplished with MAA funding.

Have a great idea for your own math enrichment program for students? We are currently accepting applications for the Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grants program, Neff Outreach Fund, Tensor Women & Mathematics Grants program, and Tensor SUMMA Grants program for the 2024 award cycle.

The Tensor SUMMA grant has truly transformed the educational landscape for high school students in Guam through the Young Scholars Research Experiences in Mathematics (YSREM) program at the University of Guam. Spearheaded by Dr. Hyunju Oh, an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Guam, this initiative has opened up a world of advanced mathematical research to students, particularly those from underrepresented minority groups, since 2019. The University of Guam, being the island’s sole higher education institution, has recognized the critical need to cultivate early academic curiosity and provide a pathway for future careers in mathematics.

YSREM has successfully launched a comprehensive summer program that ushers students through a detailed introduction to mathematical research, offering essential skills in research ethics, resource utilization, and technical software. With the research projects focused on game and coding theory, the program is designed to be approachable yet challenging, perfect for initiating students into rigorous mathematical research.

Under the guidance of expert faculty mentors, students immerse themselves in their research topics in research teams with undergraduate students from the National Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (NREUP), leading to an impressive finale where they present their research findings. The outcomes speak volumes: presentations at JMM, MathFest, and several international conferences, two publications in peer-reviewed journals, and 15 out of 18 former participants pursuing STEM in higher education.

Furthermore, the success of YSREM has catalyzed additional support from the University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach program, ensuring the program's sustainability and continued growth. Dr. Oh’s advice to faculty interested in starting similar research opportunities for high school students emphasizes the significance of selecting accessible yet stimulating research topics and the power of consistent, constructive feedback.

The story of YSREM is a beacon of academic empowerment and opportunity, made possible through the support of Tensor SUMMA grants. This success narrative serves as an inspirational call to action for others. If the future of mathematical research and education resonates with your goals, the Tensor SUMMA grant awaits your innovative ideas. You are invited to build on this legacy of excellence and make a tangible difference in the world of mathematics education.

Applications are now open; take the first step in shaping the next generation of mathematical scholars by visiting maa.org/tensor-summa today.