DETROIT – Wayne State University has received a leadership gift of $1 million to support the Math Corps, a combined academic enrichment and mentoring program for Detroit public school students, grades 6-12, led by faculty members from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The gift from a friend of the Math Corps provides funding for the Math Corps Summer Camp and Super Saturdays, and aims to inspire others to support and enhance this important program.

“We are confident that this gift will lead others in our community to join with Wayne State to ensure that the Math Corps will continue giving Detroit kids a chance and changing their lives for the better,” said Robert L. Thomas, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The Math Corps was launched in 1992. Since that time it has developed exemplary math skills and a sense of community among thousands of Detroit students. Through its key components—Math Corps Summer Camp and Super Saturdays—middle- and high-school students work with mentors and instructors in a unique and supportive learning environment.

Beyond academics, the Math Corps provides a culture that promotes hard work and responsibility and espouses the values of compassion, kindness, integrity and courage. A significant feature of the Math Corps is students helping students. The older students develop self-esteem by practicing powerful training skills, while the younger students see the positive effects of education, instilling a work ethic and study discipline.

The Math Corps has received widespread recognition, having been featured on CNN and honored by former President Bill Clinton’s Clinton Global Initiative. The program was also the subject of an Emmy-winning documentary, It All Adds Up, by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sue Marx.

“This generous gift will truly make a difference as we work to build a community of students helping students,” said Steve Kahn, professor of mathematics at Wayne State and founder of the Math Corps. “It will be a driving force in helping the Math Corps achieve its goals and accomplish its mission for Detroit kids.”

Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research institutions in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, the state of Michigan and throughout the world.