Who Puts On These After school Programs in my Area? It's not
Growing the STEM: Influencing Math Attitude AND Aptitude
Growing the STEM, is the behind-the-scenes nonprofit founded in 2017. We organize and support math and science programs for students in Coeur d’Alene public schools, with an emphasis on developing youth leaders and encouraging underrepresented groups to pursue STEM education and activities.
Programs are requested by school principals and facilitated by Growing the STEM on a funding-available basis using certain criteria. If there is a program you are interested in that is not offered at your child’s school, please speak with your principal.
Programs are open to students of all ability levels.
Registering for a program does not ensure placement. STEM Club and STEAM Club utilize a lottery and other programs are first-come, first served. A waiting list will be created when a program reaches capacity. Teachers will notify students about placement.
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Why it matters
Consider these facts...
- Math performance locally starts dropping off as early as fourth grade.
- By high school, only 36% of our students are on grade level in math.
- Fewer than 25% of college students taking remedial (math or English) coursework go on to declare a major and graduate.
- Research shows that confidence and a positive attitude toward math can impact students' math skills and whether they opt into higher level math classes as they continue their education.
- Choosing higher level math classes sets students up for the high-paying STEM careers that Idaho has in high demand:
- Thousands of STEM jobs were unfilled in Idaho last year
- 16 of the 20 fastest growing careers in Idaho require STEM skills
- Idaho’s STEM jobs pay double the median wage
- 92% of Idaho parents believe that their school should invest more in STEM education
Our Approach
- We work with principals to gain investment in the program.
- We train teachers to lead the programs and Math is Cool teams.
- We recruit and train high school and middle school student leaders to assist and coach activities.
- We fund the program.
*Ramsey, Hayden Meadows, Borah and Skyway have independent Math is Cool teams
Our funding
The overwhelming majority of the funds go to pay stipends for public school teachers to run these programs. Limited funds go to team competition fees, busses to competition, supplies for programs, and very limited operational expenses.
Our biggest funders:
- Idaho Future Fund of the Idaho Community Foundation
- Idaho STEM Action Center
- United Way of North Idaho
- Coeur d'Alene Tribe
- Mountain West Bank
- Idaho Central Credit Union
- bankcda
- Northwest Specialty Hospital
- Meltzer Medical Group
- Indigo LLC
- North Idaho Eye Institute
- Coeur Climbing Co
- Kootenai Electric
- STCU
- Inland Northwest Anesthesia and Pain
- Architects West
stories about the program's impact
Mathletes
These Mathletes stories shared by the teachers overseeing these programs give an inspiring look at the difference Mathletes is making. Names have been changed to protect each student's privacy.
Math is Cool
Student profiles
Jackson Reiswig - Bryan
Ike Vandergrift - Fernan
Jackson Reiswig - Bryan
Jackson says:
“Math is Cool was a fun way to enjoy math and compete!”
Emmie Nail - Fernan
Ike Vandergrift - Fernan
Jackson Reiswig - Bryan
Emmie says:
"At first I was nervous then it was fun and I started to learn things, and it helped me in school a lot. Everyone was really nice and encouraged me to try new strategies and different ways of thinking. The competition was fun and everyone was nice. I made new friendships and learned things I haven't learned in class, so when my teacher introduced it helped me solve the problems faster."
Ike Vandergrift - Fernan
Ike Vandergrift - Fernan
Ike Vandergrift - Fernan
Ike has been competing in Math is Cool for two years. He has placed first and gone to Masters both times, receiving first place in his division in fourth grade. His coaches have loved to see him blossom into a hardworking, fun, and competitive student.