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Mission

The lack of calculus courses in U.S. high schools, particularly in lower-resourced regions, represents a significant educational disparity. According to the 2018 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education, nearly half of high schools in the U.S. don’t offer AP calculus. Calculus is a mandatory course for most university STEM programs across the US, including MIT, and its absence effectively blocks these students’ access to higher education and career opportunities in STEM fields.

MIT for America Calculus Project’s mission is to expand access to calculus education in lower-resourced high schools across the country by providing scalable, cost-effective support for educators and students. We leverage the expertise and commitment of MIT students and alumni as mentors, as well as MIT’s capacity to scale educational innovation. Our model combines on-site summer calculus intensives with academic-year tutoring and mentoring.

Interested in joining our team?

Alumni Volunteer with MIT for America Calculus Project – Click here!

Principals, teachers, superintendents – join our program!

What to Expect from School Year Tutoring Program 

At no cost to participating schools, MIT for America provides:

• Weekly one-on-one or small-group online tutoring, around students’ schedules
• MIT student and alumni tutors who are trained, vetted, and background checked
• Homework support and help mastering challenging calculus concepts
• Mentoring and college guidance from MIT students and alumni
• Tutor training and coaching from the Scheller Teacher Education Program at MIT

What we ask from schools:

• Identify students who can commit to at least three months of weekly tutoring
• Share curricular goals and pacing with tutors so sessions align with classroom goals 
• Designate a teacher/ contact to communicate with the MIT for America team each week

Research has shown that tutoring is most effective when it is aligned to classroom instruction and when students build consistent relationships with their tutors.

For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact: mitforamerica@mit.edu.

Our Impact (school year 2025-2026)

• 17 schools across 10 states served
  • Including schools with no formal calculus offerings, but with independent study or Dual Enrollment options
  • Over 200 students served
• Students reported an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 when asked: “My tutor helped me understand something that I didn’t understand before”
• 100% of partner teachers agreed or strongly agreed that students who participated in at least three months of tutoring demonstrated:
  • Improved understanding of calculus
  • Greater preparedness for class
  • Increased confidence
  • Greater persistence when solving challenging problems
  • Improved ability to ask questions and explain their mathematical thinking

What Students Say

“I learned something new, and now I feel more prepared for when we learn it in class today.” — Student, Massachusetts

“Kiro helped me understand how to solve many calculus problems that I didn’t understand before. I leave each session knowing way more than I did a few hours ago.” — Student, Texas

“She is super supportive and always explains things patiently. She slows down, answers every question, and makes sure I really understand.” — Student, Ohio

“We went over a problem I was stuck on and helped me understand how to solve similar problems.” — Student, Pennsylvania