Reminder: Apply for a MATHCOUNTS Grant

posted by: Pamela | October 22, 2010, 09:26 PM

I often hear great feedback about the MATHCOUNTS program and its impact on kids. One member remarked on the ASTA Facebook page, "MATHCOUNTS is a wonderful organization that many top universities like Harvard, Vanderbilt, and MIT pay attention to." It's great to see that teachers and community members are taking note of this excellent program and opportunity.

MATHCOUNTS is a rigorous math competition for all 6th through 8th grade students. Often called the "spelling bee of math," the competition consists of a series of math problems for middle school students in a timed environment. ASTA is thrilled to be teaming up with MATHCOUNTS to provide grants to teams across Arkansas.

Last year, Bentonville received a grant from ASTA that paid for three middle schools and two junior high schools to be involved in MATHCOUNTS. They had the opportunity to go on a trip to the chapter competition in Fayetteville and to the state meet in Little Rock. After seeing the value in the MATHCOUNTS program, the Bentonville School Board approved to support and fund MATHCOUNTS for the entire district as well as give stipends to coaches. Most schools should have already received MATHCOUNTS materials.

Ronnie Flowers, the volunteer Northwest Arkansas MATHCOUNTS coordinator, will be available to assist you and any new coaches in setting up MATHCOUNTS teams. According to Ronnie, also a middle school math teacher, a coach can spend merely 1 to 2 hours each week on MATHCOUNTS and have a very successful program.

ASTA would like to remind those involved in math education for students 6th through 8th grade that the grant deadline has been extended to November 15, 2010. Grant winners will receive up to $500 to cover approved expenses associated with participating in the MATHCOUNTS® Competition Program, including registration fees. If applying for the grant, a detailed budget can also be given for travel to the chapter/state competition.

Click here to apply. You do not have to be an ASTA member to receive a grant.

"My son was on the Arkansas State MATHCOUNTS team in 2005 & 2006 that went to Detroit, MI and Washington DC." - ASTA member

If you would like more information about starting a MATHCOUNTS team for your school, contact Ronnie Flowers at rflowers@astapro.org or (479)236-6609.

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