In the St. Louis region, home to MasterCard’s Global Technology and Operations headquarters, MasterCard is focusing its local giving on a pressing education issue that requires new resources and innovative solutions: math achievement.

In support of this new focus, MasterCard has pledged $1 million over three years (2007 through 2009) to advance the teaching of math in the St. Louis region. Details for prospective grant applicants are below, and the Project Math brochure (available here), contains additional information.

Applications must follow the guidelines and criteria for local support requests, available here.

The 2007 report of MasterCard St. Louis Community Affairs, available here highlights Project Math, plus our support of other areas of need in the St. Louis region, to illustrate how our contributions, in concert with those of many others, add up to cumulative impact, making a significant difference in our community.

MasterCard community involvement relies upon the great hearts and minds of our vibrant, diverse workforce. In 2007, as in previous years, hundreds of employees volunteered time to teach in local schools, mentor robotics teams, improve homes in financially disadvantaged communities and help expand the reach of local non-profit organizations.

Project Math: Advancing Excellence in the Teaching of Math

The current state of U.S. math achievement has serious implications for the employability of tomorrow’s workforce. Statistics show that the math proficiency of Missouri’s students is low,¹ and that teachers often lack certification and/or a major in mathematics.²

To apply for funds, please click here.

Teachers play an essential role within communities. Yet compared to other professions, resources for the professional development of teachers are often lacking. In Project Math, we will empower local math teachers and enrich their abilities in order to improve regional math achievement. The program will provide expertise and solutions in five related areas:

• Engaging national and international expertise: Leverage our global presence to connect notable speakers and learning opportunities with local math education efforts.
• Deepening involvement with local districts: Provide funding for school districts that have identified their most pressing math education needs.
• Developing regional partnerships: Partner with universities and math and science organizations to support programs that provide coaching and professional development opportunities for local math teachers.
• Sharing intellectual resources: Promote math achievement through MasterCard employee volunteer efforts to heighten awareness of the importance of math skills for employability, by helping math teachers and students connect academics to careers.
• Providing technology donations: Distribute computers to local schools, when equipment is retired or upgraded at MasterCard’s technology headquarters in St. Louis.

To apply for funds, volunteer involvement or technology equipment donations, please click here.

¹In Missouri, only 31% of fourth-graders and 26% of eighth-graders are performing at proficient levels in math. –U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: National Assessment of Educational Progress, 2005 Mathematics Assessment (2005).

² Seventy percent of middle-school students are assigned to teachers who lack certification and/or a major in mathematics. –U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics: The Condition of Education 2003 (2003).