The Mathematics Behind the Science Summer Program (MBS) at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has received a grant of $14,764 from the J. Raymond Jones Fund at the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI). MBS is a college preparation program for college bound students who are majoring in Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Technology (STEM). The residential program meets with the students daily for six weeks during the summer. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in scientific reading and writing courses, attend career sessions by practicing scientists, and gain computing and analytical skills. They will also experience three or four field trips.
The donation from the Jones Fund will provide room, board and transportation for 18-22 students. It will also provide salary, housing and meals for teaching and resident assistants. The aim of this program is to serve as a bridge between high school and college level mathematics as well as to increase success and retention rates for STEM students. MBS has helped hundreds of students to matriculate successfully through UVI and has provided them with the tools to excel in STEM careers.
The J. Raymond Jones Fund was established in 2010 at CFVI. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to foster excellence in the fields of mathematics and the natural sciences for resident students and teachers of the U.S.V.I. by providing grants and scholarships, sponsoring workshops, conferences and other studies that foster and enhance the learning of mathematics and science.
Judith A. Grybowski, Ph.D., spokesperson for the J Raymond Jones Fund, said, “The Fund focuses on assuring that our students in the Virgin Islands can be supported to reach their potential in math and science. Through the Mathematics Behind Science program we have seen many remarkable success stories. We are proud to be able to help students at UVI reach their goals.”
