CGCC and Si Se Puede Foundation Host Calculus Competition for Young Students

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) and the Si Se Puede Foundation will host a calculus competition as part of Si Se Puede's Robotics Camp on Saturday, April 20 at CGCC's Performing Arts Center. The competition is designed to expose students ages 9 to 13, from Chandler’s at-risk communities, to the fields of math and engineering. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. following the competition at 9:00 a.m.

CGCC calculus students create math activities to engage the younger students and to help support their programming work. Teams made up of three to four students work on problems created by the CGCC students, competing for trophies and other prizes. The competition will consist of 18 problems of increasing difficulty placed one at a time before each team. In addition to trophies, awards for “Most Improved” and “Most Supportive” will be presented. Calculus Club competitors will also be presented with a medallion, followed by a celebratory lunch.

“The Si Se Puede Foundation is proud to partner with Chandler-Gilbert Community College, which has helped create excitement with our students around math and science and, most importantly, has created an environment in which learning can be fun,” said Alberto Esparza, president of the Si Se Puede Foundation. “We are looking forward to a long-lasting relationship with CGCC and their calculus students who exemplify what service-learning is all about.”

CGCC mathematics faculty Melinda Rudibaugh has worked with the program since 2009 and was recognized by the Si Se Puede Foundation as a Teacher of the Year Honoree.

“This spring the program lengthened into 13 consecutive Saturdays of math support by CGCC students for Si Se Puede's youth,” said Rudibaugh. “Alberto is now discussing partnering with CGCC engineering students and faculty to benefit his students. Given his vision, passion, work ethic, and sincere concern for his students, we’re excited to continue our partnership with Alberto and Si Se Puede.”