Brown University, Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics

Program ID: ICERM-GGM21 [#1082, GGM 2021]
Program Title: Virtual GirlsGetMath@ICERM 2021
Program Type: High school program
Program Location: Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Mathematics
Application Deadline: 2021/05/31 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2021/02/05, finished 2021/12/04)
Program Description:    

*** this program has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

GirlsGetMath@ICERM is a five-day non-residential mathematics program at Brown University. It is open to high schoolers, regardless of gender identity, who live in or near the greater Providence, RI area who will be entering the 10th or 11th grade in the fall of 2021. (Note: applicants from the canceled 2020 program will automatically be included in the pool of applicants for the 2021 program; there is no need to reapply.)

GirlsGetMath@ICERM invites students to explore the mathematical sciences in an open and encouraging setting. Hands-on activities, interactive lectures, and daily computer labs are led by accomplished professional faculty who are enthusiastic about serving as scientific mentors and discussing a variety of careers that utilize a mathematical background. Potential topics include cryptography, the mathematics of voting, image processing, prime numbers and factoring, and fractals. 

The goals of the program are: 
  • to show high schoolers that the study of mathematics can be exciting, beautiful, and useful
  • to build confidence in students' mathematical knowledge through engaging and expert mathematical instruction 
  • to provide an affirming environment that introduces high schoolers to a variety of career opportunities in which sophisticated mathematical ability plays a key role
  • to emphasize the strategic role mathematics plays for success in STEM careers
  • to provide the participants with a support group and expert mentors who are successful undergraduate, graduate students, and professionals from the STEM workforce
  • to have a positive influence on the way girls view their mathematical interest and ability 

PROGRAM DETAILS: The 2021 program will be abbreviated and offered virtually due to the continuing limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic. The enrollment will be limited to 20-25 accepted students, allowing the lectures and break-out sessions to be more collaborative and productive.

Instructors: Katharine Ott, the faculty organizer will be joined by undergraduate, graduate students, and postdocs who will serve as teaching assistants (TAs) during the program.

Program Dates: August 16 - 20, 2021.

What to Expect: Each day will run approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and will be hosted on Zoom. Here is the proposed daily schedule, starting at 9:00 AM and ending by 12:00 PM at the latest.

  • 9:00 AM: Fun math activity and lecture (90 minutes, entire group)
  • 10:30 AM: Break-out sessions for math labs to practice lecture concepts (1-2 hours led by 1 TA working with 4-5 participants in each room)

A more detailed schedule, including topics to be covered, will be provided prior to the start date.

Equipment Needed:

  • Internet connection
  • Laptop or computer

Participant Requirements:

  1. Students must not have attended a previous GirlsGetMath@ICERM program
  2. Students must be in the 10th or 11th grade in the fall of 2021 (NOTE: applicants from the canceled 2020 program will automatically be included in the pool of applicants for the 2021 program; there is no need to reapply.)
  3. Students must live in or near the greater Providence, RI area
  4. Students must ask one math teacher to submit a letter of reference

We appreciate that working from home makes it challenging to disconnect from personal distractions and obligations. However, we strongly encourage students to participate fully, with cameras on, each day of the program.

Tuition: The 2021 virtual GirlsGetMath will be offered free of charge to those accepted into the program.

To Apply as a Participant: You will need to create an online MathPrograms cover sheet, answer a series of brief questions, and hit the "Apply" button. You can edit your application up until the deadline. On the cover sheet, where it says "Reference #1", please enter your reference writer's name, email, and affiliation (school). IMPORTANT: Next to your reference's name, click on the box that says "email notify writer on submit"; this will generate an automated email asking your reference writer to submit a letter on your behalf through MathPrograms. Your reference writer should be a current or recent math teacher.

Application Deadline: Apply via MathPrograms by May 31, 2021.

The faculty organizers will begin reviewing applications immediately after the deadline. All applicants (including from 2020) can expect to hear about their status by mid-June. 

GirlsGetMath@ICERM is made possible solely through grants and donations. The 2021 program is made possible through support from the American Mathematical Society, MathforAmerica, Stephen F. Siegel & Jayne Kurkjian-Siegel, and other private donations.

Application Materials Required:
Submit the following item online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the program description.

Further Info:
https://icerm.brown.edu/girlsgetmath/2021/
email address
 
Brown University/ICERM
Box 1995
Providence, RI 02912