Santa Cruz Math Circle

The Santa Cruz Math Circle is a weekly gathering for students in grades 5th through 8th who have a passion for math. Located in Aptos, California, the Math Circle provides an opportunity for students to meet with mathematical professionals in an informal setting to work on interesting problems and topics in mathematics. The instructors, who are mathematicians, scientists, and engineers with PhDs in math, focus on interactive problem-solving activities that are not typically covered in the standard classroom curriculum.

In addition to the Math Circle, the institution also offers robotics clubs for high school students in Watsonville and Santa Cruz, in partnership with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. Students have the opportunity to learn about electronics, design, programming, CAD, 3D printing, and more, with the goal of forming teams to compete in the MATE ROV competition.

The X Academy, founded by Tim Sylvester, aims to provide STEM programs to students in Santa Cruz County, with a focus on underrepresented communities. Through funding from the Sylvester-Meister Foundation, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and individual donations, the X Academy is able to offer scholarships to talented students who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities. With a strong track record of success, including impressive performances in competitions such as the MATE ROV World Championship, the X Academy is dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of mathematicians and engineers.