Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
The California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) hosted the fourth annual Summer Algebra Institute (SAI), a four-week educational program designed to help students in the seventh-11th grade improve their algebra skills. Funded by the California State University Chancellor’s Office, the program aims to prepare students for higher-level math courses and college by focusing on enhancing their mathematics and quantitative reasoning skills.
Recognizing the critical importance of these areas in higher education, the SAI program has credentialed math instructors deliver the course content with the support of the innovative EdReady curriculum. This adaptive online application tailors personalized learning paths to address each student’s individual knowledge gaps, ensuring they each receive the support they need to master algebraic concepts effectively.
The SAI program goes beyond traditional math instruction by incorporating a range of complementary educational experiences designed to foster a well-rounded academic skill set and mindset. One of the program’s key components is Growth Mindset instruction led by Cal State San Bernardino and University of Redlands counseling interns, which helps students develop a resilient and positive attitude toward learning. This approach encourages students to embrace challenges, persist despite setbacks, participate in college knowledge lessons and activities, and understand that effort leads to mastery.
This year, Cal-SOAP’s SAI was conducted in classrooms at Cal State San Bernardino, Eisenhower High School and Rancho Cucamonga High School, accommodating 60 students. To further enrich the learning experience, the program included various STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activities, which stimulated creativity and critical thinking, providing students hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in interdisciplinary contexts.
Marisol Montejano Guzman, a SAI instructor and math teacher at Shandin Hills Middle School, observed firsthand how the program challenged students and boosted their confidence.
“I believe SAI has helped our students solidify their math skills from the past year in their math classes. It also helps to fill in any needs and gaps in their math knowledge from the previous year and any of their other foundational years that they may need to review,” said Montejano Guzman. “The program helps to build student’s confidence in math and problem-solving skills. SAI provides a positive opportunity for students to learn and engage with math in a judgment-free zone while using real-world applications. Throughout this program, I have seen students blossom with their confidence in math.
“Several students start the program not liking math, and by the end, they feel so comfortable in their skills that they say how much they love math and admire the applications it can be used for,” continued Montejano Guzman. “SAI provides the skills for students to develop a growth mindset. In this, I mean that our students change their thinking from ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I am not good at math’ to ‘I am still learning and need more practice’ and ‘I will be able to do this.’ I’m beyond thankful for Cal-SOAP to give this opportunity to our students.”
To cap off each week, the program featured Field Trip Fridays, allowing students to explore different educational and cultural institutions. Vinh Ho, SAI instructor and math teacher at Kolb Middle School, saw the positive impact the field trips had on the students and witnessed their growth during the program.
“Students have the opportunity to go on trips to universities and cultural institutions, exposing them to higher education environments and potential career paths,” said Ho. “This can inspire them to set higher educational goals and envision futures they may not have considered otherwise.”
In addition, the field trips provided valuable real-world experiences that enhanced classroom learning and inspired students by exposing them to various academic interests. The students visited the California Science Center, San Diego Zoo, The Broad, CSUSB for a campus tour, and Knotts Berry Farm, where they participated in the Energy In Motion STEM Tour to learn about the science behind rollercoasters.
“My most memorable moment while teaching this year’s SAI was during one of our STEM project sessions, where students were building motor models,” said Ho. “One particular student, who had initially struggled with the concept and felt discouraged, finally managed to get her motor running after several attempts. The look of pure joy and accomplishment on her face was incredibly rewarding.
“It wasn’t just about the motor working — it was a tangible manifestation of her perseverance and growth mindset paying off,” Ho continued. “Seeing her excitement and pride and how her peers rallied around to celebrate her success was a powerful reminder of the impact this program has on building confidence and fostering a supportive learning community. Moments like these make all the hard work worthwhile and highlight the transformative power of education.”
The successful SAI program prepared students for future academic challenges and inspired a love for learning through engaging math activities. Additionally, the program helps students fully develop their math and social skills, which proved to be the case for Jonah Perez, a seventh-grade student.
“At first, I was nervous, but at the end, I had confidence,” said Perez. “I had great help from the staff and made friends from different range groups along the way.”
For more information about Cal-SOAP and its upcoming programs, visit the Cal-SOAP website.
