Mathworks part of inaugural Google RISE Global Summit

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
September 26, 2012

A contingent from the Mathworks program at Texas State University-San Marcos attended the Google RISE Global Summit as one of the world's best Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related education programs.

The two-day conference was held Sept. 13-14 in New York City.

"The Google RISE Global Summit was an incredible experience to learn from other organizations, as well as raise awareness of Mathworks programs and Texas State," said Andrew Hsiau or Mathworks. "It's important that we're part of a global effort to encourage and nurture young students to pursue math, science, and engineering degrees and careers."

Google has administered the Roots In Science and Engineering (RISE) Awards for the past four years, inviting STEM programs across the world to apply for a monetary award. The programs then use their awards to boost efforts to engage young students in creative and engaging initiatives in science, math, and engineering. In late 2011, more than 400 applicants submitted proposals to Google, and Mathworks' Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) was one of only 26 programs that received a Google RISE Award. The $15,000 award supported the 2012 HSMC, providing opportunities to young students who would not otherwise have been able to attend a high-quality summer academic program.

Extending its support for STEM programs one step further, Google launched the inaugural RISE Global Summit, inviting all 2012 awardees to a two-day conference at its New York offices. As a global community, Google RISE understands the importance of uniting international efforts. With numerous organizations working to impact STEM outreach across the world, creating common ground for sharing of innovation and best practices is critical.

At the RISE Global Summit, 26 programs from 11 countries were in attendance, including the nations of Austria, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Romania, U.K., Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda. Participants had the opportunity to collaborate, share stories and network to explore possible partnerships. The awardees also learned about Google's tools for education, such as YouTube channels, Google+ pages and Google docs.

For more about the Mathworks center at Texas State and its mathematics education programs, visit www.txstate.edu/mathworks.