Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Hyundai Motor America has presented a grant to the School District of Philadelphia that will continue to provide ST Math, a unique, visually-based software program developed by the MIND Research Institute, to 6,000 students and 315 teachers at 19 Philadelphia campuses this year.
This latest effort is part of Hyundai’s ST Math Initiative, a partnership with MIND aimed at improving long-term academic success at high-need schools.
“We are thrilled by Hyundai Motor America’s support,” says William R. Hite, School District of Philadelphia superintendent. “The ST Math program greatly increases our students’ opportunities for success and enhances our mathematics curriculum. Thanks to the MIND Research Institute and Hyundai for partnering in this work.”
ST Math, already used in Philadelphia and other school districts across the country, helps students gain a deeper understanding of math concepts through computer-based puzzles featuring JiJi the penguin, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Research shows that early math skills are the greatest predictor of later academic success and high school graduation – a primary focus of the Hyundai ST Math Initiative.
“Our primary goal through the ST Math Initiative is to help students develop a love for learning in order to increase their likelihood of later academic success,” says Zafar Brooks, director of diversity inclusion at Hyundai. “Academic advancement particularly in the STEM fields is of critical importance in today’s economy and we’re pleased to continue to offer this proven program to students in Philadelphia that will greatly benefit from it.”
The initiative benefits more 17,350 students and nearly 800 teachers across cities nationwide, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and New York City. Hyundai will look to introduce the program at more cities later this year.
Source: Hyundai Motor America