By By Kelly Quackenbush/The Meridian Star
March 22, 2001
The success of MathFirst programs has caught the eye of the program's major private sector benefactor, the Ford Foundation.
Three program officers from the New York City-based foundation met with Meridian Community College officials and other educators Wednesday to discuss MathFirst.
The visitors got a first hand look at one element of the MathFirst program, the Student Success Center, which offers 71 computers with Plato Learning Systems software, two full time tutors and 10 student tutors.
The Ford Foundation has supported MathFirst for five years and representatives said the educational program is an important tool that will help people throughout their lives. The Ford Foundation has contributed $25,000-$75,000 a year to fund MathFirst.
The foundation officers believe in strong community partnerships that promote education reform in kindergarten through 12th grade and programs that strengthen community colleges. MathFirst programs fit the requirements and have been successfully implemented at MCC and local school districts, officials said.
Kelly Quackenbush is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at kquackenbush@themeridianstar.com.