WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have announced $287,871 in federal funding for Salisbury University’s PATHWAYS program. The funding comes from the National Science Foundation and will support a Salisbury PATHWAYS project aimed at understanding how students effectively learn mathematics in the K-12 setting, as well as inspiring undergraduate students to pursue a career in mathematics education.

“Math is an integral skill in today’s economy. This investment in our children and future educators will help ensure that the next generation has the knowledge and mathematics competency to compete. It’s about their success, and ours, as Maryland needs more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals to excel in the global marketplace,” said Senator Cardin. “I’m grateful for programs like that at Salisbury University for inspiring the next generation to pursue those STEM fields, and for inspiring this generation to teach them. This is precisely the kind of federal investment we should be making across the state, in all our children.”

“As I travel across Maryland, I hear the same thing from business owners, educators, and federal employers – proficiency in STEM subjects like math are critical for the success of our students as they enter the job market,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Salisbury University’s efforts to inspire and equip our next generation of workers will strengthen Maryland’s workforce and our economy, and this grant offers them critical support in that endeavor.”

This summer’s PATHWAYS project entails a ten-week long course during which select undergraduate students will teach elementary-aged children mathematics using a variety of methods, testing and analyzing success rates along the way.

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