June 17-20, 2024
***Still Accepting Applications***
Experience mathematics from a new and exciting perspective!
The GirlsDoMath Camp will provide an opportunity for girls who love mathematics to come together to engage in the exploration, research, and discussion of mathematical ideas. During this four-day experience, the girls will investigate fun enrichment topics guided by female professors and undergraduate mathematics students who will foster a supportive and motivating environment.
During the camp, participants will:
- Investigate fun topics in mathematics that are not typically taught in middle school. This year’s theme is Groups and Symmetries.
- Meet other girls with a passion for mathematics.
- Explore a research topic as part of a group.
- Learn about some of the many contributions of women to the field of mathematics.
- Examine math-related careers and meet women who are in such careers.
- Enjoy fun break activities such as a square dance, a tai chi brain break, and team competitions.
- Present their group's research results at an "end-of-camp" reception.
- Spend time on the university campus and utilize some of the resources available at CMU.
Camp Schedule
Each day, we will begin with social time and lunch from 11:30-12:15. The awesome math will start at 12:30pm. The first two days of camp will be spent investigating an exciting new math topic. On day three, the girls will work together in groups to explore a related topic in more depth and on day four, they will wrap up their research and prepare a presentation to show off their project at the end-of-camp reception! Family members, teachers, and counselors are encouraged to come and see the results of their student’s hard work.
Eligibility
All girls entering 8th or 9th grade who love mathematics and are excited about spending four days learning about a new math topic are invited to apply. In order to provide individualized attention to each camper, we will accept up to 20 students to the camp. Due to the nature of the camp content and schedule, as well as our limited enrollment, applicants must commit to attending the full camp (4 days, 4.5 hours each day).
Cost
Thanks to the support of the CMU Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Math Outreach Campaign during the CMU Foundation’s Day of Giving crowdfunding event, this year’s camp will be free to all admitted students.
How to Apply
For full consideration, your complete application must be received by Monday, May 27, 2024. A complete application includes:
- The GirlsDoMath Student Application.*
- A completed Recommendation Form from your current mathematics teacher or another teacher or counselor who can address your mathematical interest and ability.
(If you have not been able to reach a teacher or counselor for a recommendation, go ahead and fill out the student GirlsDoMath Application and then send an email to let us know. Email addresses are at the bottom of this webpage.)
*Note: The Student Application includes a short essay. Responses in the online Student Application form can NOT be saved and submitted later, so before you begin, please review the first page of the application, and prepare your response to the essay question.
Information for teachers/counselors who are recommending a student
The GirlsDoMath Camp is a mathematics enrichment camp for girls entering 8th or 9th grade. We are seeking girls who are highly-motivated, enthusiastic about math, and capable mathematics students. Admission to the camp is limited and we place a high value on the input from a teacher or counselor who can speak to the student's ability to actively contribute to and benefit from such a program. Your carefully considered judgments will assist us with the admission process.
Please complete the GirlsDoMath Camp Recommendation Form. Linked Here:
Thank you for taking the time to recommend a student for GirlsDoMath Summer Camp!
Post-Camp Activities
We are tentatively planning two organized events during the 2024-25 Academic Year where camp participants will have the opportunity to reconnect with each other and with the camp leaders and learn even more cool math!!! Watch for emails or school flyers for our GirlsDoMath After School events.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact:
Dr. Cathy Bonan-Hamada ([email protected])
or Dr. Lisa Driskell ([email protected]).