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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

What is it?

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Learn Math from College Professors During 5-day Program

Where is it?

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Visit Graniterock/ Driscolls, and Take 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

2023 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, university 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 31 – Fri., August 4, 2023

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, CA

Graniterock Corporate Offices
or Driscoll’s Cassin Ranch

Free round-trip busing is provided for most students from your 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
will be provided.

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

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.

1,000+ 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
  • Cesar Chávez Middle School
  • E.A. Hall Middle School
  • Hollister Dual Language Academy
  • Marguerite Maze Middle School
  • Pajaro Middle School
  • Rancho San Justo Middle School
  • Rolling Hills Middle School
  • San Juan School
  • Southside School
  • Watsonville Charter School of the Arts

Our Hosts

We are proud to work with local businesses Graniterock and Driscoll’s, who graciously host our Academy week.

Our Instructors

Dedicated instructors from CSUMB and UCSC enhance our program every year.

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

Kevin Jeffrey

Kevin Jeffery

Vice President & General Counsel, Graniterock

Emmett Linder

Emmett Linder

Driscoll’s

Rose Ann Woolpert

Rose Ann Woolpert

Graniterock

Christy Sessions

Christy Sessions

Executive Director,
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