The Newton Schools Foundation has announced that anonymous donors will match up to $30,000 in donations made by April 15 for the Newton Public School’s Calculus Project.  The Village Bank has donated $15,000 so there’s $15,000 left to go.

The Calculus Project works in all of Newton’s middle and high schools to have more Hispanic, African American, and low-income students successfully complete calculus in high school, as a path to success in college. Since its start in 2013, the program has increased enrollment by 70%, 200%, and 800% for these groups, respectively. The program provides intensive, small-group summer classes, enrichment activities, and year-round mentoring and tutoring.  The summer program includes instruction in Computer Science, field trips to STEM-related companies, and college campus visits for rising 11th graders with a focus on STEM majors and careers. The program currently includes 150 students in Grades 8-12 and will welcome 30 incoming 8th Graders this summer. While the NPS operating budget funds part of the program, tax-deductible donations via the NSF are needed for the summer program, tutoring, enrichment activities, and supplies.