UB Gifted Math Program

The UB Gifted Math Program (GMP) is an accelerated mathematics enrichment program for exceptional students in grades 7 through 12. Founded in 1979 by professor Gerald R. Rising (University at Buffalo) and Professor Betty Krist (Buffalo State College), the program was created to provide advanced math education beyond what local schools could offer. GMP is administered through UB's Graduate School of Education and has since been nationally recognized as a model for nurturing young math talent. Each year, the program enrolls around 250 students from Western New York (generally from Erie County, Niagara County, and Orleans County) who show outstanding mathematical ability. The selection process is competitive - about 60 new 7th-grade students are admitted annually, chosen from nominations by parents or teachers and a rigorous evaluation that includes interviews and a standardized math test (often the math portion of the PSAT). The goal is to identify middle schoolers who would benefit from a faster-paced, deeper math curriculum than that found in typical schools.

Curriculum and Structure

The Gifted Math Program is an after-school program - students attend classes on UB's campus twice a week during the academic year, while still being enrolled in their own middle or high schools. From 7th through 10th grade (referred to as GMP Levels I-IV), participants study an accelerated curriculum covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and other high-school level math topics at a much earlier age than usual. In 11th and 12th grade (GMP Levels V and VI), students transition to actual UB undergraduate courses in mathematics, such as Calculus I-III, linear algebra, and differential equations, alongside enrichment topics. By graduation, a student who completes the full program can earn up to 22 college credits through UB, giving them a head start in university-level math.

The program's mission is not necessarily to produce math majors, but to challenge gifted students at a "critical time in their development" and keep them engaged with STEM disciplines. Organizers emphasize developing problem-solving skills, good study habits, and a love for learning, rather than acceleration for its own sake. GMP classes often use discovery-based learning and creative problem sets.

Public Perception and Impact

Over four decades, UB's Gifted Math Program has been credited with cultivating generations of mathematically-inclined students. Many alumni have gone on to pursue careers in science, engineering, and academia, frequently citing GMP as a formative experience. Locally, the program is seen as a prestigious opportunity for talented youths - admission is competitive and regarded as an honor in many middle school circles. At the same time, GMP demands a significant time commitment and a high level of dedication from participants.

Because students must travel to UB and keep up with advanced coursework in addition to their regular school day, some have found it challenging to juggle GMP with sports, music, or other extracurricular passions. For instance, in online forums, a few students have shared that the program's workload can be intense, occasionally forcing tough choices. Program administrators are aware of these concerns and strive to support students in managing their schedules, noting that part of the GMP's aim is to teach strong work habits alongside math skills.

Overall, the Gifted Math Program is highly valued in the Western New York educational community. It addresses a niche need - providing advanced STEM enrichment for the "upper end" of the academic spectrum - and has become a flagship outreach of the university.