GE Foundation gives $230,000 for math initiative

University Park, Pa. -- Penn State has launched an innovative collaboration with the Steelton-Highspire School District to increase students’ preparation for and participation in math-based careers, thanks to a three-year, $230,000 grant from the GE Foundation. The goal of the collaboration is to have a long-term, positive impact on the skills, interest and participation of middle school students studying math.

The program, called Math Achievement in a New Technology Context, will aim to teach math skills in the context of real-world applications in engineering, information technology and business. Technology-intensive math curricula will be used to foster increased interest in math and improve standardized test scores. Penn State faculty and staff will provide technical support to 6th through 8th grade teachers and students.

“Our program will target students at a critical time in their lives and education,” said Robert Pangborn, associate dean for undergraduate studies and professor of engineering mechanics. “If we can keep students progressing in math proficiency and aware of the things that math will allow them to do -- how math is applied to solve all kinds of interesting problems -- then they are more likely to be excited by the subject and to eventually pursue higher education and careers in math, science, engineering and other technology-based occupations.”

According to 2002 Pennsylvania statistics, only 52 percent of all 8th grade students were ranked as proficient or advanced in the math portion of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment test. The remaining 48 percent did not have sufficent math skills to prepare them for high school math curricula. Steelton-Highspire, located near Harrisburg, was among the Pennsylvania school districts that studies showed had the greatest potential for improvement in math programs.

“The GE Foundation is committed to increasing educational opportunity from pre-college through higher education,” said GE Foundation President Bob Corcoran. “This innovative collaboration will make a significant and sustainable difference in the schools and for these students.”

Previous giving from the GE Foundation to Penn State has included support for programs in the Smeal College of Business and the College of Engineering, and at Penn State New Kensington and Penn State Erie.

The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company, invests in initiatives to improve educational opportunity and strengthen community organizations in GE communities around the world. All told, GE, The GE Foundation and GE employees and retirees contributed more than $120 million to community and educational institutions last year.