ENGLEWOOD—Students at Dwight Morrow High School (DMHS) were given an inspiring lesson in the power of mathematics on Feb. 19, as the Algebra Project took center stage at the second Englewood Public School District Speaker Session.
The event, part of the “My Brother’s Keeper” Alliance, was led by Dr. Christopher Tisdale and Rosie Rodriguez under the direction of Superintendent Dr. Marnie Hazelton, Ed.D. Guest speakers Benjamin Moynihan, executive director of the Algebra Project, and William Crombie, an educational consultant specializing in math and science, engaged 35 students with an empowering discussion on mathematics, equity, and career pathways.
The Algebra Project: A Legacy of Empowerment
Founded in 1982 by Civil Rights activist and math educator Bob Moses, the Algebra Project is a national mathematics literacy initiative designed to help low-income students and students of color develop the math skills necessary for success in college and beyond.
The program provides curriculum materials, teacher training, and community-based support to ensure students are equipped with essential quantitative skills.
The initiative began when Moses, a former secondary school math teacher in New York City and Tanzania, helped his daughter’s eighth-grade classmates in Cambridge, Massachusetts, develop strong algebra skills.
His early efforts led to the first students from their program qualifying for ninth-grade honors geometry, proving that with the right support, all students can succeed in high-level mathematics.
By 2001, the Algebra Project had trained 300 teachers and reached 10,000 students across 28 locations in 10 states.
The Englewood Public School District Speaker Series continues in the coming months with influential figures across industries:
- March – Hip-hop pioneer Darryl McDaniels
- April – Sustainable technology leader John Ashley Plugout
- May – Multi-platinum music producer and DMHS alum Rijhay Sampson
- June – Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes
Empowering DMHS Students Through Math
Moynihan and Crombie’s presentation at DMHS encouraged students to see mathematics not just as a subject, but as a pathway to opportunity. The session included prepared questions from student advocates Jamil Perry and Amari Roots, alongside Algebra Project team members Elijah Parmalee and Quincy Dawson.
Crombie emphasized the importance of math in preparing for careers in knowledge work: “In today’s world, not just physical labor, but mental labor is needed. A lot of this strategic thinking involves mathematics, and it is important that they see themselves in this learning process.”
Moynihan reinforced the collaborative nature of success, stating: “It is not just an individual effort, but a collaborative one. We want them to see themselves as a key agent to math literacy in the nation, to work with teachers and with each other as a team and be willing to share their assets so that everyone can succeed.”
Both speakers shared their personal challenges in youth and how mentorship, resilience, and hard work led to their academic and professional achievements. They encouraged students to seek support from programs like the Algebra Project and to stay persistent in their studies.
Why Algebra Matters
Throughout the presentation, Moynihan and Crombie emphasized how algebra serves as more than just a classroom subject—it is a gateway to real-world problem-solving and career opportunities. They encouraged students to think of algebra as a tool for strategic thinking in fields ranging from technology and engineering to business and finance.
Crombie illustrated its everyday impact with an example that resonated with the students:
“If you have a cell phone and you use apps on your phone, all of these apps rely on mathematics and coding. The people who created these apps did the math, and they are making a lot of money. You want to be the guy that writes the apps, not just use them!”
Beyond academics, the speakers stressed the importance of collaboration, likening math to a team sport where success depends on working with peers and teachers. Just as an athlete relies on teammates, students tackling math challenges should see themselves as part of a collective effort to improve their skills and broaden their future opportunities.
Following the presentation, students had the opportunity to meet with the guest speakers over lunch, served by Rosie Rodriguez.