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Supporting Math-Minded Students Every Summer

5-day Algebra Program for Select 8th Graders*

*By invitation Only – Santa Cruz, San Benito & Monterey Counties

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What is it?

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Learn advanced math from master instructors during 5-day program

Where is it?

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Classes held at Graniterock, Driscolls, Joby, or Taylor Farms, plus a field trip to CSUMB

Why should i attend?

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Enjoy a highly supportive 4:1 student to staff ratio

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Algebra Academy

2026 Summer Program

The Bruce W. Woolpert Algebra Academy is an innovative, free math program for high-performing, highly motivated 8th graders. During our 5-day intensive program at a local business, expert math instructors challenge and inspire students to expand their horizons in math. In addition to a memorable field trip to CSUMB during the week, these students build confidence and are more likely to advance in STEM disciplines down the road.

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When is it?

Mon., July 27 – Fri., July 31, 2026

9:00am–3:30pm

Each day is structured similarly to a school day, with class sessions, breaks, lunch and plenty of activities in addition to coursework.

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Who can attend?

Open to Select 8th Graders*

Exclusive, invitation only enrollment.

*Students are recommended by school nomination from a network of participating schools in Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties.

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Where is it?

Watsonville, Salinas, and Marina, CA

Host sites: Graniterock, Driscoll’s Cassin Ranch, Joby Aviation, and Taylor Farms at One Main Street

Free round-trip busing is provided for most students from their local school. Students also take a field trip to CSUMB midweek.

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What’s the Cost?

Free

All supplies and most food are provided.

The program is absolutely free to families, thanks to our wonderful community sponsors.

proven results

Measurable Growth
in Just One Week.

Every student takes a math assessment on Day 1 and again on Day 5. The difference shows the real impact of our intensive program.

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+80%

Program-Wide Growth

Average Scores Program-Wide

2025 Results

Line graph showing average pre-test as 39.25%, and post-test 70%

Academy Benefits

Connect your student to the real world through Algebra.

Local Business Integration

Learn about local business firsthand and be exposed to exciting careers.

High-level Instruction

Learn from the experts and dive deeply into algebra concepts.

Lasting Friendships

Make connections and get to know other local students just like them — students they will most likely join in high school.

A Strong Head Start

Students will build confidence and be seen as math leaders at their school.

1,300+ Alumni

Join a dedicated community and apply for a High School Mentorship as a Junior or Senior, and help 8th graders during future program weeks.

Earn a Future Scholarship

Program Alumni who go on to attend CSUMB and declare a Math major have priority eligibility for the Bruce Woolpert Math Award – a scholarship created for Algebra Academy graduates.

The Algebra Academy has been a remarkable program for my students. Immersion Week and the field trips during the year have provided opportunities that my students wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. Hands-on activities and getting to meet people who work in STEM-related jobs has lit a fire in the next generation. I know the Algebra Academy has created possibilities for students and it’s exciting to be a part of.

– Wendy, 8th Grade Teacher

The Algebra Academy as a student was a very helpful tool that I believe helped me a lot in 8th grade. The instructors were very thorough and really helped me learn. As a mentor I found it as a very enjoyable experience to return to help the students in their learning. Being a difference in the education of the kids I helped is very satisfying and I loved every second of it.

– Lucas, Alumni + High School Mentor

My experience at Bruce W. Woolpert Algebra Academy was truly a great one. As an aspiring educator, it was so exciting to not only be working with students motivated to understand mathematical concepts, but also work side-by-side with professional instructors who have made a difference in their respective communities. The students grew immensely in their time at camp, as they worked to collaborate, challenge themselves, and even make connections. I will truly treasure the time I had with them, and I look forward to hearing about their success.

– Kiki, CSUMB Teaching Assistant

What I really liked about the Algebra Academy overall is getting the chance to meet like-minded people who took as much of a value in education as I do. As a student, it was a really fun experiencegave me a leg up in the following school year. As a mentor, it also felt very special to work with bright, young individuals. I got to make special connections with them, which was extremely rewarding.

– Isabela, Alumni + High School Mentor

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Participating Schools

Students are recommended by school nomination from the following schools in Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties:

  • Accelerated Achievement Academy
  • Aromas School
  • Calaveras School
  • Cesar Chávez Middle School
  • EA Hall Middle School
  • El Sausal Middle School
  • Harden Middle School
  • Hollister Dual Language Academy
  • Lakeview Middle School
  • La Paz Middle School
  • Marguerite Maze Middle School
  • North Monterey County Middle School
  • Pajaro Middle School
  • Rancho San Justo Middle School
  • Rolling Hills Middle School
  • San Juan School
  • Washington Middle School
Bruce W. Woolpert

Our Inspiration

Bruce W. Woolpert

President and CEO of Graniterock

1987 to 2012

Bruce believed passionately in the power of math. In 2010, he and Graniterock Vice President Kevin Jeffery teamed up with CSUMB Professor Hongde Hu to bring the Algebra Academy to students at Rolling Hills Middle School. Bruce’s infectious enthusiasm for the program and his joy in each student’s accomplishments inspired his family, friends, and coworkers to continue to grow the program he loved so much. We believe Bruce would be proud of how far his Algebra Academy has come.

Board Members & Staff

Christy Sessions

Christy Sessions

Executive Director,
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Keith Severson

Keith Severson

Graniterock

Rose Ann Woolpert

Rose Ann Woolpert

Graniterock

Nubia Padilla

Nubia Padilla

Monterey County Office of Education

Angie Martinez

Angie Martinez

Driscoll’s

Jenny Smith Harris

Jenny Smith Harris

Additional Information

Committed to Child Safety

The Algebra Academy maintains strict child protection policies and full compliance with California AB 506. 

Child Protection Policy
AB 506 Compliance
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