The focus of the Canadian Mathematical Society in the recent years has been to render mathematics and mathematics education more accessible and have the Canadian mathematical community reflect our society. The CMS has had a few initiatives towards this objective including the expansion of specialty camps to reach to students, educators and researchers who are underrepresented in the community, childcare services at the meetings to further facilitate the participation of women mathematicians, the formation of the CMS Mathematics and Reconciliation Committee. The CMS’ newest inclusion initiative is Closing the Gap.
Closing the Gap
With the financial support of RBC Future Launch program and the Actuarial Foundation of Canada, the Society will sponsor the participation of 400 Black and Indigenous students to participate at two CMS mathematics competitions: Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC) for students in grade 10 and above and our brand new competition for primary school students: Canadian Mathematical Gray Jay Competition (Gray Jay).
The CMS hopes to use this initiative to encourage more students from Black and Indigenous communities to participate in mathematical activities and bring in diverse perspective to the Canadian mathematical community, perspectives that are essential to the growth and evolution of the Society and the community.
In order to ensure the success of students participating in Closing the Gap Initiative, the CMS is has been soliciting mathematicians and educators working with Indigenous and Black communities to conceptualise preparatory webinars for participants before the competitions.
In addition, students registered to Closing the Gap program are automatically entered into a random draw to win one of CMS’ four $500 prizes for their school to be spent on mathematics and STEM resources.
The CMS invites educators and mathematicians to spread the word and nominate their students here.
For more information, please contact the CMS Competition Team at contests@cms.math.ca.
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