UMD offers a unique math program for students in grades 5-7. It’s called “Um-tee-ump” which stands for the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP). Participants earn enough college credit to be halfway towards a bachelor’s degree by the time they finish high school.
More than 50 students are already taking advantage of this accelerated math program and applications are now being accepted for enrollment next year. More detailed information can be found at http://www.mathcep.umn.edu.
UMD Assistant Professor of Mathematics Tracy Bibelnieks is the coordinator of the program and says UMTYMP is unique. “We are unlike any other program in that we work with students throughout their high school years. UMTYMP provides an accelerated high school curriculum and specially tailored U of MN college courses that give students two or more full years of college math credit when they graduate from high school.”
Bibelnieks also points out that they are looking for more than just youth who are good at traditional math. “We’re looking for relational and quantitative thinking skills, so the fifth grader that has not had an algebra class in school may still qualify for the program,” said Bibelnieks.
She added, “This also gives students the chance to be part of a social group where they can embrace their mathematical abilities at a young age and feel comfortable with their academic peers.”
The UMTYMP classes meet at UMD once a week after school from 4:15-6:15 during the school year for a two-hour class. Students who stay in the program finish their four years of high school math in two years and then begin college level Calculus in classes exclusive to UMTYMP students.
The program instructor coordinates with local schools to ensure the students have time in their regular school day to work on UMTYMP homework and to make sure they’re meeting students’ development, social and other academic needs.
Students currently in 5-7th grade who wish to join the program for the 2017-18 academic year in Duluth should register to take the qualifying exam by April 21, 2017. On site registration will also be available.
Students who register by Friday, April 21 will automatically be enrolled in an Exam Prep Workshop set for Saturday, April 29 from 9-11:30 a.m. on the UMD campus. The workshop is not required but is very helpful for first time applicants.
The qualifying entrance exams are scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 4 and Saturday, May 6 on the UMD campus. There is a $30 fee to take the exam, but assistance is available for those in need. Applicants will find more details by visiting the registration site at: http://www.mathcep.umn.edu/umtymp/how-join-umtymp. Questions and registration after April 21 can also be directed to Tracy Bibelnieks [email protected] or 218-726-6803.
UMTYMP is offered through the Mathematics and Statistics Department of UMD's Swenson College of Science & Engineering (SCSE). The college has 3,275 undergraduates and 220 graduate students and is home to ten academic departments, as well as the Large Lakes Observatory, the UMD Air Force ROTC program, and the Iron Range Engineering program. SCSE connects students with hands-on research opportunities through its collaboration with multiple research institutions and area businesses. To learn more, visit: http://www.d.umn.edu/scse/.