Bob Case Academy: Bridge to Calculus

Are you interested in empowering students solve complex problems through math? We'd love to talk to you.

 

A Bridge to Calculus and to a Better World

Bridge to Calculus prepares high school students to take AP calculus and other calculus courses, mainly through its signature program, an intensive six-week summer session on the Northeastern University campus.

The program also includes annual events, like Calculus Field Day, where teams of students come to Northeastern to participate in calculus and pre-calculus competitions, and support channels like the Virtual Math Question Center.

The success of Bridge to Calculus has been widely acknowledged by many, including former Boston mayor Marty Walsh and MA State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez.

About the program

Bridge to Calculus was founded by Northeastern professor Dr. Robert Case to empower children from Boston’s underserved communities to succeed in advanced math classes.

This program is built on the need to address racial and social justice issues as they affect Boston’s youth. What distinguishes this program from others is the collaboration between Boston Public School teachers, Northeastern faculty, undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni of the program—who all come together to craft and deliver the Bridge to Calculus.

Employers in our region, especially those with co-op positions, require coding skills and mathematical modeling, as well as strong mathematical skills. Students participating in Bridge to Calculus gain an imperative competitive edge that makes them imminently hirable. And because Bridge to Calculus works to strengthen the school system, the success of the program contributes to the greater success of Boston Public Schools.

Bridge to Calculus pushes for Boston students to receive a strong mathematics curriculum in their schools, focusing on expanding the capacity of the schools themselves. In fact, Boston high school teachers are the primary instructors, playing an integral role in all facets of the program, while Northeastern University faculty offer support and guidance.

Students who participate in Bridge to Calculus are positioned for college acceptance and prepared for college success through key partnerships and a network of undergraduate mentors.

  • We partner with the Bottom Line, a college preparatory counseling group focusing on low-income students and students whose parents did not attend college.
  • Mentoring is a crucial component — two or more mentors are assigned to each classroom.

Bridge to Calculus is a dedicated, long-term partner with the Boston Public Schools and has received support from many other donors, including the Nellie Mae Educational Foundation, the Cabot Foundation, and the Mathematical Association of America.

What is Bridge to Calculus?

What is Bridge to Calculus?

A Brief History of Bridge to Calculus

A Brief History of Bridge to Calculus

Bridge to Calculus: Christopher's Story

Bridge to Calculus: Christopher's Story

Bridge to Calculus Math Question Center: Dan Arnon, Mentor

Bridge to Calculus Math Question Center: Dan Arnon, Mentor

Bridge to Calculus Math Question Center: Chiruza Muhimuzi, Mentee

Bridge to Calculus Math Question Center: Chiruza Muhimuzi, Mentee

Bridge to Calculus: Brenda Cassellius

Bridge to Calculus: Brenda Cassellius

In the News

Panel of speakers on stage speaking to high school students
Students score summer jobs that pay them to take calculus
Northeastern University’s Summer Youth Employment Program, in partnership with the SuccessLinks Youth Jobs program of the city of Boston and its Learn and Earn program, lets kids not have to choose to between a learning experience and ha...
Bridge to calculus students work in Dodge hall.
Northeastern creates 135 summer jobs for high school students
Employment in Boston will include work opportunities in university departments to support communications, administration and student services, as well as Northeastern’s Bridge to Calculus program, which empowers young people from underse...
Student writing math equations on a chalkboard
Northeastern’s ‘Bridge’ helps Boston public school students traverse calculus chasm
In 1994, Northeastern mathematics professor Robert Case noticed something: high schools in the Boston suburbs had Advanced Placement calculus programs, while inner-city schools did not. So Case decided to do something about it.
Christopher Suplice
He adapted to life with low vision. Now he wants to make it easier for others.
Bridge to Calculus alum and mentor Christopher Suplice wants to use computer science to create adaptive technology for people with visual impairments.
three students work on calculus problem together
Northeastern hosts Boston high school students for Calculus Field Day
The event is designed to challenge students’ knowledge in calculus, help them prepare for their AP Calculus tests in the spring, and nurture their passion for mathematics.
Your generous support will help Boston Public School students realize their potential.
Please reach out to our team with any questions.