Exigent Summer Math Program

On June 25, Loyola CSME had the privilege of hosting a group of approximately 100 sixth through twelfth grade CPS students from various schools on the west side of Chicago.  These students are a part of the EXIGENT program, which is a rigorous five-week summer program that strives to provide equitable access to advanced mathematics. 

These eager mathematicians filled the McCormick Lounge, ready to engage in a collaborative and rich simulation task, which was created and facilitated by an outstanding group of EXIGENT teachers, including founder Steven McIlrath, who is a math teacher at Austin High School.  Students formed mixed-grade level investment teams that had to assess the potential of various companies based on a detailed profile and make decisions on how to utilize their firm’s initial $200 million budget.  Teams had to get curious and get to work, as they were working against an element of time for each round of their simulated experience. Which companies were worth purchasing a percentage of, and which companies were not worth the risk?  Students took a mid-day break in their math action to enjoy a meal in Loyola’s Simpson dining hall, allowing them to explore a bit more of the active summer-time campus.

After a final round of deciding how they were going to invest in their recently purchased companies and receiving an immediate update on the financial impact, the scholars packed up and made their way outside to the lake shore path to enjoy the picturesque views of Lake Michigan.  Before heading back to their buses, the group was able to capture a photo next to the nearby maroon and gold Loyola sign to document their first of three Chicago-area college visits that are a part of their summer program. 

The Director of Loyola CSME, Dr. Tim Stoelinga, and instructional math coach Melissa Sears were truly inspired by these young people.  Their desire to spend their summer investing in themselves and their future is evidence for why we engage in the work that we do at EXIGENT and Loyola CSME.  Every student in every classroom deserves the opportunity for their math minds to be nurtured as they grow in their confidence and joy as mathematicians.