Approach
We are a nonprofit philanthropic foundation working on building a deep and connected math talent ecosystem. Through investments in and coordinated management of nonprofit and for-profit organizations, we are assembling a portfolio of organizations that act as a cohesive math talent system. A cohesive math talent system is a system that effectively identifies and nurtures math talent wherever it surfaces.
Our work is primarily focused on identifying and growing strategic organizations critical to building a robust math talent system. We make big bets on these strategic portfolio partners, both in terms of resource and time commitment.
In service of assembling a strong portfolio of strategic organizations, we also make smaller learning oriented investments. With these investments we aim to learn about the operational and structural challenges organizations face and identify top performing organizations in a space.
When considering new partners or strengthening existing partnerships, we consider three key factors: strategic courage, leadership, and cost effectiveness. We need our partners to be strategically aligned with our program areas and goals, and we want them to develop bold approaches that fundamentally change how the talent system operates. We believe deeply in the power of exceptional leaders and only want to work with the best. We have limited funding, and math talent generally doesn’t attract a lot of philanthropic dollars, so we are looking for models that effectively leverage funds.
We have three programs focused on three different aspects of the math talent system. All the partners we work with fit into one of these three programs.
Programs
Inspire Talent Through Thinking Games
Our approach to inspiring talent is heavily influenced by Martin Gardner’s work, which inspired future generations of mathematicians and computer scientists with the Mathematical Games Column. We are continuing that work by bringing recreational math to more homes. We invest in mathematical games that inspire people of all ages to fall in love with math and build early mathematical numeracy and intuition.
Unearth Talent with High Ceiling Curriculum
To unearth talent, we are raising the ceiling on math and computer science curriculum in K-12. We think every kid should have the opportunity to be challenged and excited by the math and computer science they are exposed to in their classroom. We are working to ensure that every student has access to high ceiling math and CS curriculum and that those students who rise to the challenge are identified and given extra support.
Train Talent in Immersive Programs
Becoming an exceptional mathematician requires intensive training and support. We are building a better system by increasing the number of seats at exceptional math talent programs and by working to identify high potential math students that are currently being neglected and giving them the support and coaching they need to thrive.