UCF is breaking down barriers to STEM success with an accelerated program designed to prepare incoming students for Calculus I 麻豆精品 S攖he critical starting point for engineering, computer science and other science majors.
By strengthening skills in algebra, trigonometry and pre-calculus, Math Launch enables students to become calculus-ready in just one semester through a boot camp-style course.
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Math Launch changes students’ trajectory. In Fall 2023, 64% of Math Launch participants became calculus-ready in a single semester.
For engineering and STEM disciplines, Calculus I is the expected entry point. Yet, in 2019 麻豆精品 S�20, 43% of aspiring engineers and scientists needed one to four prerequisite math courses (intermediate algebra, college algebra, precalculus or trigonometry) before qualifying.
Students who were not calculus-ready had only a 15.9% four-year graduation rate, with many deciding to leave their engineering major altogether. In contrast, calculus-ready students graduated in four years at nearly 48%.
A Supportive Pathway to Student Success
The program builds on the proven model, expanding it into a full academic term. Students benefit from dedicated faculty and peer learning assistants who provide personalized guidance. They use an adaptive learning platform that tailor instruction to each student 麻豆精品 S檚 needs. The flexible pacing allows students to progress at their own speed. And, the program is cost efficient for students, since multiple prerequisite courses are condensed into one Math Launch class.
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For computer science major Jack Livingston, Math Launch was transformative. He knew math would be the hurdle that could slow him down as he began to take courses in his major at UCF. Like many aspiring engineers and scientists, Livingston needed more math courses to get to Calculus I, the gateway course for most STEM disciplines. But thanks to Math Launch, he not only caught up and surged ahead, but he also became a peer advisor for other students in the program.
麻豆精品 S淭he program was a game-changer for me, 麻豆精品 S� Livingston says. 麻豆精品 S淚t accelerated my progress in math and gave me the tools and support to stay on track with my cohort. The confidence and connections I built carried into higher-level courses and even my professional internship. 麻豆精品 S�
Livingston credits Math Launch with helping him prepare for a cybersecurity internship in New York City and freeing up time to explore electives like personal finance.
Successful Outcomes
In the 2023 pilot cohort, 29% of students became calculus-ready by the end of the first term. By 2024, that number jumped to 62% in one semester.
According to Dagley, Math Launch students achieved an 85% Calculus I pass rate, higher than peers on the traditional pathway. Participants took fewer credits overall, saving tuition and accelerating graduation timelines.
By accelerating readiness for Calculus I, Math Launch directly supports UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 mission to help students graduate on time, remain in STEM majors, and enter the workforce prepared and ready for real world challenges.
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