Math Motivators Tutoring Program

A free, volunteer-driven tutoring program that pairs underserved middle and high school students with professionals and college students with strong mathematics backgrounds to improve math understanding and academic success.

Launch Date: 2016

Geographic Scope: United States, with established programs in Hartford, Chicago, Philadelphia, and other cities nationwide

Focus Areas:

• Free math tutoring for underserved students
• Building math confidence and proficiency
• Opening doors to college and career opportunities
• Mentoring and relationship-building
• Problem-solving and math discourse

Program Structure:

• Volunteer-driven model: Actuaries and actuarial science students volunteer
• Pairing ratio: 2 students paired with 1 volunteer tutor
• Frequency: Weekly tutoring sessions
• Format: In-person and virtual options
• Wide range of subjects: Various math topics

Student Eligibility:

• Middle school students
• High school students
• Underserved/economically disadvantaged students
• Students needing SAT/standardized test preparation
• Students from Title 1 schools

Program Reach:

• Award-winning program
• Participants from 6+ different schools in some areas
• Some students receive multiple years of consistent support

Key Features:

• Proven 2:1 student-to-tutor ratio
• Relationship-building between volunteers and students
• Career exposure (office tours, professional conversations)
• Math skill development and confidence building
• SAT/standardized test preparation

Funding:

• Society of Actuaries was original exclusive sponsor (at program start)
• Spencer Educational Foundation grant: $15,000 (2024)
• Volunteer donations of time and expertise

Contact Information:

• The Actuarial Foundation
• 869 E. Schaumburg Rd. #321, Schaumburg, IL 60194-3654
• Phone: 847.706.3535
• Email: info@actfnd.org
• Website: actuarialfoundation.org

How to Participate

For Students:

• Inquire through your school
• Connect with Math Motivators coordinators
• Enroll in weekly tutoring sessions
• Participate in in-person or virtual tutoring
• Work on math concepts with assigned tutor(s)

For Volunteers (Actuaries/Actuarial Students):

1. Express interest in volunteering
2. Commit to weekly tutoring sessions
3. Work with 2 assigned students
4. Provide weekly math tutoring
5. Build mentoring relationships
6. Optional: Facilitate office tours and career exposure
7. Participate in volunteer coordination from your employer

Program Coordination:

• Contact local Math Motivators coordinator
• School partnerships facilitate student participation
• Corporate partners like The Hartford provide volunteer coordination