Advancing 21st-century education through models, math, and mentorship

Education is at the core of everything we do here at George Mason University. And we believe that while talent is equally distributed among people, opportunities are not. As Virginia's largest and most diverse university, it's our duty to advance 21st-century education for all: whether through hands-on experiential learning with the technology of tomorrow, teaching complex topics through novel techniques, or breaking down barriers to give everyone the knowledge needed to succeed.

These summer programs showcase how George Mason is opening doors for all students to explore, learn, and grow in their passions and skills to prepare for whatever their future holds.

Mason Game and Technology Academy

Founded in 2013, Mason Game and Technology Academy (MGTA) offers a variety of game design and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) classes throughout the year for ages 11-18. Students can learn character modeling and animation, Python programming, Unreal Engine 3D design, 2D digital art, and more. Some courses, like Python programming, offer both introductory and intermediate levels.

"Our goal is to get students to embrace these critical STEM skills early and reward their curiosity," said Joshua Emswiller, operations manager for MGTA. Critically, the curriculum focuses less on how to "use" the software, and more on developing long-lasting skill sets that will help students adapt to rapidly changing technological advancements.

Courses are taught by faculty, alumni, and student interns in computer science and computer game design—many of whom have start-up companies with the Virginia Serious Games Institute, of which MGTA is a part. For the George Mason students, this is an opportunity to teach the skills they've learned in classes and mentor academy students.  

"MGTA hopes to continue to be a great opportunity for students in the community as well as giving George Mason students a chance to use their knowledge to benefit others,” Emswiller said

Mason Math Odyssey

No need to sail to Greece for this Odyssey: Mason Math Odyssey (MMO), in its fourth year, brings rising 6th- through 9th-graders on an exciting mathematical journey through space and time as they learn about the greatest mathematical discoveries over millennia.  

"We see many students who struggle with undergraduate math courses and lack preparation and motivation to succeed," said Maria Emelianenko, professor of mathematics. "MMO is aimed at raising mathematical awareness, fostering critical thinking skills early on, and broadening Mason's outreach efforts in the community."

Each day explores different areas of mathematics. Friendly competitions bring students together to build problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills. Major math concepts are practically applied to real-world situations, like exploring advanced concepts of non-Euclidean geometries through measuring “city-block” distances—measuring distance in horizontal and vertical direction, not on the diagonal—using a map of Washington, D.C., and comparing those distances on a sphere. All the lessons culminate on the final day, where the campers must apply their knowledge to navigate a series of puzzles in order to unlock their medal.

Varied learning modes, hands-on activities, and mentorship from George Mason students all come together to help campers build a passion for mathematics that will follow them on their journeys through school and their future careers.

"With math being the foundation of many careers, bringing the excitement back into math classrooms is the spark that is needed to fuel students’ curiosity and ensure their future success," said Emelianenko.

Early Identification Program

For the past 40 years, the Early Identification Program (EIP) has brought students to campus over the summer for educational opportunities and a chance to experience life as a college student. Between its Summer Academy and its Institute for Excellence (IFE), EIP welcomed approximately 1,000 students to the Fairfax and Science and Technology campuses this summer.

Both programs help prepare students for the coming school year. Summer Academy assigns students to academic courses aligned with the curriculum in their county school districts to give them a head start on the subjects with valuable insights and support from licensed teachers and experienced mentors. IFE offers 5-week college courses so students can earn college credits.

"Our work is centered around making college accessible for first-generation students,” said Gabriella Rodriguez, assistant director of pre-college initiatives and IFE manager.

EIP also offers college and career readiness opportunities to support students in preparing for higher education. Special events throughout the summer—Career Day, Major Fair Day, Professional Shadowing Day—all center on exposing students to new career paths and programs of study.

"Our summer programs have evolved a lot over the years, but the student experience is still at the heart of it," said Rodriguez. That heart shows through the number of EIP alumni who return to support summer programming. Rodriguez herself is an alum of the program.

"I fondly remember my mentors and teachers in Summer Academy and the way everyone came together to give us a memorable experience," she said. "I wish the same for our students now."