Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
Cal State San Bernardino’s sixth annual Summer Algebra Institute helped 74 students in grades 8-10 strengthen their math skills, build confidence and prepare for college. Hosted by the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) San Bernardino County Consortium, part of CSUSB’s Office of Pre-College Programs, the five-week program combined mathematics instruction with college-readiness workshops, hands-on activities and campus experiences designed to build students’ skills and confidence.
Funded by the California State University Chancellor’s Office, the program took place at CSUSB and Eisenhower High School in Rialto. Credentialed mathematics instructors Marisol Montejano at CSUSB and Vinh Ho and Brenda Solanche at Eisenhower High School provided personalized instruction using the EdReady adaptive learning platform. The platform identified learning gaps and created individualized pathways to help students strengthen their algebra and quantitative reasoning skills.
Beyond the classroom, students participated in growth mindset lessons, College Knowledge workshops and STEAM activities that encouraged creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. They designed engineering projects, built wooden machines, raced student-made cars and boats, and applied scientific and mathematical concepts while making ice cream in a bag.
Field Trip Fridays helped students connect classroom lessons to college and real-world experiences. Participants toured CSUSB, explored university resources and visited Coyote Lanes. The program concluded with a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm, where students learned about the physics and engineering behind roller coasters during the Energy in Motion STEM Tour.
For many participants, the institute offered more than an opportunity to improve their math skills. It also helped them discover new interests, form friendships and begin seeing themselves as future college students.
“I decided to join the Summer Algebra Institute because I wanted to improve my algebra skills,” said Solei Campo. “One of my favorite parts of the program was the hands-on engineering activities, especially the car and boat racing projects.”
Campo said the program strengthened her algebra skills and gave her greater confidence in math.
Soriyah Cobb returned for a second summer after enjoying her experience the previous year. Among her favorite activities was a financial literacy presentation that introduced students to resources and opportunities for the future.
“The program made me feel more confident and better prepared for the next grade by showing me what’s possible,” she said.
Nathan Nguyen joined the institute to improve his math skills and prepare for the upcoming school year. He said building wooden machines made learning hands-on and exciting.
“The program gave me a head start in math, which made me feel more confident in my abilities,” he said. “I would definitely recommend it to other students because it really helps you learn and prepares you for success in school.”
Erica Gutierrez, Cal-SOAP events coordinator, said it was rewarding to welcome returning students while introducing new participants to the opportunities the program provides.
“In addition to our five-week curriculum and Friday field trips, students challenged themselves to design businesses, build robots and construct boats using limited resources,” she said. “Watching them confidently present their projects was one of the most rewarding moments of the summer. It demonstrated that math is much more than numbers; it is creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and the ability to turn ideas into reality.”
By combining personalized mathematics instruction with hands-on learning and college exploration, the Summer Algebra Institute helps prepare students to succeed in high school and envision their futures in higher education. Through Cal-SOAP and the Office of Pre-College Programs, CSUSB continues to expand educational opportunities and prepare students for college, careers and lifelong success.