PROMYS Pathways Explorers
PROMYS Pathways Explorers is a free summer mathematics enrichment program for rising 5th and 6th grade Massachusetts students who are curious, creative, and excited to explore interesting mathematical ideas.
Explorers is designed for students who enjoy asking questions, looking for patterns, solving problems, and sharing ideas with others. Students do not need to have taken advanced math classes or participated in math enrichment programs before. The most important qualities are curiosity, willingness to try challenging problems, and openness to working with others.
The program invites students to experience mathematics as something creative, collaborative, and meaningful. Rather than focusing on memorization or racing ahead in the school curriculum, students will explore mathematical ideas that often do not appear in elementary school classrooms.
Program Overview
PROMYS Pathways Explorers will take place on the Boston University campus during the summer. Each day will begin with a short mathematical game or warm-up activity, followed by collaborative exploration of rich mathematical ideas.
The curriculum will focus on patterns and structures in whole numbers, including ideas related to divisibility, primes, remainders, and other topics from number theory. These ideas are accessible to younger students, but they also lead to deep and surprising mathematics.
Students will work together on problems, explain their thinking, look for patterns, and practice communicating mathematical ideas clearly. Along the way, they will develop problem-solving strategies such as drawing pictures, trying simpler examples, breaking a problem into smaller pieces, and noticing what changes or stays the same.
Who Explorers Serves
PROMYS Pathways Explorers is intended for Massachusetts students entering 5th or 6th grade in Fall 2026.
The program is especially interested in reaching students who are excited about mathematics but may not otherwise have access to enrichment opportunities outside of school. We welcome students from a wide range of mathematical backgrounds and experiences.
Students do not need to see themselves as “math people” already. One goal of Explorers is to help students build confidence, persistence, and a sense of belonging in mathematics.
Program Details
Dates: July 27 - August 7, 2026
Days: Monday through Friday
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Boston University
Cost: Free
What Students Can Expect
Students in Explorers will:
- Explore mathematical ideas beyond the standard school curriculum
- Work collaboratively with other students on interesting problems
- Practice explaining their thinking and listening to others’ ideas
- Learn problem-solving strategies for approaching unfamiliar questions
- Build resilience by working on problems that may take time
- Develop confidence and a stronger sense of belonging in mathematics
Our Approach to Mathematics
At PROMYS Pathways Explorers, we believe that mathematics is not just about getting answers quickly. Mathematics is also about asking good questions, noticing patterns, making conjectures, explaining ideas, and learning from mistakes.
Students will be encouraged to take their time, try different approaches, and reflect on their thinking. Some problems may feel challenging, and that is part of the experience. We want students to learn that challenging mathematics can be joyful, creative, and worth exploring.
Registration
Families interested in PROMYS Pathways Explorers should complete the interest form below.
Space may be limited. Completing the form helps us learn more about interested students and follow up with additional information.