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Humber Math Camp for Girls

The Humber Math Camp for Girls is a six-week camp that was started at Humber College to serve Grade 8 and 9 students affiliated with the community partners: The Boys and Girls Club of Albion and Rexdale Women’s Centre.

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

The goal of the program is to improve the rate of girls persisting in mathematics, improve self-concept and engagement. It is an initiative to develop the mathematics potential for girls who are underrepresented in mathematical careers. This is a free educational summer program.

The program is based on an understanding that some young girls dislike mathematics and may not pursue it in the future as a result for reasons that can be addressed. Researchers have noted that the latter trend can be reversed by giving girls a chance to acquire the knowledge, skills, habits of mind, and opportunities to practise these; developing their sense of mathematical progress and competence; increasing their motivation to pursue mathematics by giving them a sense of belonging in the field; and informing them about the stages, requirements, and opportunities that can support their interest.

The camp provides young women with these opportunities. For example, students are involved in the following activities:

  • They are introduced to mathematical concepts at the post-secondary level using a variety of teaching strategies that include group work.
  • They research and present a female mathematician’s contributions in a group, work with undergraduate female mentors and attend guest speaker sessions featuring women working in mathematics-related fields. The activities provide role models they could see themselves in.
  • They become familiar with real-life applications of mathematics to see its relevance.
  • The perspectives of young women are broadened by introducing them to future career possibilities and pathways. They are introduced to the post-secondary environment. These activities are led by Community Outreach and Workforce Development staff at Humber College and undergraduate students.
  • The group work aims to foster a sense of belonging to a mathematics community. The mentoring activities can help girls persist in mathematics.

Summer 2021 Math Camp for Girls Program

The camp is running virtually this summer 2021 from July 13 to August 19 with 20 registered participants from community partners: The Boys and Girls Club of Albion and Rexdale Women’s Centre. Online camp sessions are held every Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and Thursday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

albion neighbourhood services, albion club         rexdale women's centre - a world of difference

FUNDING

The program has been funded by the MAA Tensor Women and Mathematics Grant and the Humber College Community Partnership Fund. We are honoured and excited to receive these grants for the camp. The camp would not have been possible without them.

MAA tensor women & mathematics  humber

For more information please contact math@humber.ca