Program Details
PROMYS Pathways was launched as PROMYS Math Circle in 2017, as part of enhanced efforts to reach out to mathematically talented students in Massachusetts, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented in STEM.
Pathways provides a stimulating and supportive mathematical community for students to explore challenging mathematical problems. Under the guidance of mentors (PROMYS for Teachers alumni and graduate students in mathematics), students engage in weekly exploration-based math circles and attend special collaborative events throughout the school year. A 4-week day program, Pathways Summer Program, prepares students for rigorous programs such as PROMYS or for further study in college and careers in STEM.
Since 2017, fourteen PROMYS Math Circle students have participated in the flagship PROMYS program, most on full or partial scholarships. With the additional mentorship and preparation, these students thrived!
Pathways Summer Program
In 2020, PROMYS launched a summer program in response to the need for more rigorous mathematical opportunities for low-income and underrepresented students. Each summer, about a dozen high school students join five or six mentors for 4-6 hours of collaborative problem solving each weekday. Students work on specially-designed problem sets that emphasize mathematical exploration.
The 2023 Pathways Summer Program will run July 3–28, Monday – Friday, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm, on the campus of Boston University. The program is free to participants; lunch and local transportation costs will be provided. Please click To Apply for more details.
In-School Math Circles
The following high-needs public schools have joined PROMYS Math Circle:
Boston Latin Academy (Dorchester) • Cambridge Rindge and Latin School* •
Chelsea High School* • City on a Hill (Dudley Square) • Everett High School •
John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics & Sciences • Lawrence High School* •
Malden High School • Pioneer Charter School of Science (Everett)* • Revere High School •
Somerville High School • University Park Campus School (Worcester)* • Waltham High School*
*currently active
PROMYS for Teachers alumni serve as mentors in the schools where they teach.
Virtual Math Circle
A virtual PROMYS math circle serves students from other schools where a math circle has not yet been established. Mentoring is conducted by graduate students in mathematics with experience in the PROMYS program. We welcome inquiries from MA teachers on behalf of their eligible students.
Special Events
Throughout the school year, PROMYS organizes several special events to bring together the different math circles. These occasions serve to create a mathematical community across PMC. Recent events include:
- Math Collaborations facilitated by Dr. Ken Fan of Girls’ Angle
- Math Field Day with workshops run by Boston University undergraduate math majors
- Knot Just Numbers workshop hosted by the MIT Museum
- Field trip to the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) in New York City