Engineering student Diana Lis
Valderrama was able to skip two math classes – trigonometry and
pre-calculus – and begin studying calculus during her first semester
at Cañada College thanks to participating in a summer Math Jam
course. Funded by a $900,000
grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Math Jam aims to
improve the interest, persistence and performance of
underrepresented students in the fields of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM). “When
I first took my placement test, I tested into trigonometry,” Diana
said. “When I attended the summer engineering institute, I was asked
if I would be interested in participating in Math Jam. I’m glad I
did because it made a big difference.”
Diana had access to personal
tutors who helped her with a study plan. “I learned more in four
days at Math Jam than I did in three semesters at high school.”
Diana plans to eventually transfer to CSU San Francisco or CSU San
Jose.