About the Program | Participants | Parent Involvement | Findings | Materials | Summary

Aiming for Algebra

In 2002 Girlstart was selected for funding by the National Science Foundation to launch Aiming for Algebra, a bold three year initiative providing a series of after-school clubs, Saturday Camps, and informal community- and Internet-based activities to help middle school girls succeed in math, science, and technology.

The overarching goal of the Aiming for Algebra project was to prepare at-risk, middle school girls to successfully pass Algebra I with a grade of B or better, preferably by the eighth grade.

The Aiming for Algebra impacted over 800 middle-school girls:

• 80% of participants were members of underrepresented groups and 70% were low income.
• The majority of these kids should they attend college, will be first generation college students. 75% of their parents lacked a college education.
• 77% of students graduating after 3 years of Girlstart went on to enroll in 8th grade Algebra, compared with only 23% of non-Girlstart students!

The curriculum offered hands-on, collaborative math and science investigations aligned with rigorous standards set by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Aiming for Algebra partner schools had minority populations ranging from 60% to 96% with percentages of students classified as economically disadvantaged ranging from 40% to 90%.

This website serves to disseminate the results of the three-year program and the impact it had on students and their parents. While the Aiming for Algebra project has concluded, you can visit the Girlstart website to find out more about current programs!