Project MEGSSS was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1980, the offshoot of a St. Louis-based, government-funded educational research lab. Based on the Elements of Mathematics, a curriculum designed for highly-talented 6th-8th grade students, this unique core program broadens exposure to the world of mathematics at a time when the standard curriculum focuses on reinforcing elementary school math concepts in preparation for high school.
Over the past 40 years, we have tested 5,000+ students and taught 3,500+ of these students, many of whom point to their experience as a steppingstone to future careers in STEM. The program initially attracts a good proportion of female students (40%) and is a melting pot of students from many ethnicities and families of varying socioeconomic spheres. We work with students from any area school--public, private, religious, and home schools. Despite these differences, our classroom gives these "out of the box" students an opportunity to meet others like themselves and learn in a challenging environment where being really smart is celebrated and supported. A recent survey of our alumni found that 70% of respondents have actually graduated from college with a STEM degree.
Our outreach surveys indicate a need in the region for a broader range of math enrichment programs specifically designed to inspire advancing students to learn more about mathematics, as an entree to future STEM career paths. Project MEGSSS created MathJam, a summer math program for talented 5th-8th graders. MEGSSS has added math contest preparation bootcamps, as well as an open AMC 8 math competition with plans to expand our math contest offerings.
Since our inception, we have provided financial aid to families with need and recently began a program specifically targeted to students whose families are eligible for federal lunch programs. Our regular financial aid program provides support to any student who demonstrates need. As a nonprofit with a parent-led board, we prioritize keeping the program affordable for all.