Nine organizations will partner to launch an "Algebra by 7th Grade" initiative - a focused, 5-year effort to increase the number of underrepresented 7th grade students who are academically prepared to take algebra. (From the White House Blog)

Ab7G History

On February 11, 2013, more than twenty national organizations dedicated to minority inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and math fields were invited to the White House to discuss priorities for underrepresented minorities in STEM. The day ended with eight identified priorities from the assemblage - with the top priority being K-12 education. 

Following that meeting, the organizations present reconvened to discuss how to work collaboratively to support K-12 STEM education and to increase the number of underrepresented students who are able to pursue a STEM career. A subset of the convening organizations signed on to pursue the goal of ensuring that every 7th grade student in the U.S. is academically prepared to take algebra.

The Purdue, Algebra by 7th Grade program was piloted in 2017. Through a partnership with the Lafayette School Corporation Elementary Schools, MEP has welcomed more than 90 students into the program. Starting in the 3rd grade and continuing through the 7th grade, Ab7G families meet at Purdue University two Saturdays per month to engage with mentors and staff to practice math concepts and engage in hands-on projects. By completion of the 7th grade, students are projected to be more than a year ahead of their current grade level.