Mission:  

The Mathematics Behind the Science summer bridge program is designed to enhance the mathematics preparedness of college-bound students who are interested in pursuing careers in science, mathematics, engineering, technology, or medicine.  Specifically, it will prepare students to enter the introductory calculus course and provide a foundation for success in that important course. 

Program Description: 

Mathematics Behind the Science is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) college preparation program that serves students who have completed grade 12 and will enter university as freshmen in the fall, or students already attending UVI who have successfully completed MAT 024.  It is intended to serve as a bridge between high school curriculum and expectations at university.

The courses are designed to show students some of the ways that mathematics and computation are used in scientific contexts and to enhance the preparedness of college-bound students who are interested in pursuing STEM careers.  The courses will provide a foundation for success in STEM courses in the freshman year.  Mathematics is required for majors in both Mathematics and Applied Mathematics (Dual Degree Engineering Program); it is also required for Bachelors degrees in Biology, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and the Associates degree in Physics.

Mathematics Behind the Science a residential program.  St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix students may reside in the dorms on the St. Thomas campus.  The program will meet every day, Monday through Friday for six weeks in the summer (June-July).

For additional details, a Mathematics Behind the Science Summer Bridge Program Flyer is available under our Brochures page. Feel free to download and share this document.

Purposes of Mathematics Behind the Science summer bridge program:

·       To illuminate uses of mathematics and computation in the sciences and strengthen students’ ability to use computation as a problem solving tool in future careers.

·       To strengthen the mathematical proficiency of entering students, better preparing them for success in college level mathematics courses.

·   To facilitate the transition between high school performance and that expected at the university level.

·  To establish a community of learners supporting student success throughout the undergraduate years as science STEM major.

What are the components?

·         A unique mathematics program exploring the mathematical concepts that underpin the concepts of calculus.  Significant connections will be made to biology, chemistry, physics and the environment. 

·     A course in computing that will focus on introductory computer science skills, with applications to the sciences in order to prepare students for a college STEM curriculum and today’s environment where computation is used in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, and other related STEM disciplines.

·         A Success in STEM course to give students information that will help them to transition to college life, including seminars related to use of library, information technology, student services, and scholarship programs to support student success at UVI.

·         A Scientific Reading and Writing course.

·         Career sessions conducted by practicing scientists and field trips to demonstrate mathematical modeling in the Caribbean environment.

Eligibility: 

    The applicant must have:

·       Genuine interest in pursuing a program of study in science, mathematics, engineering, technology, pre-medical or other health professional field;

·       acceptance into an accredited college or university for students in grade 12 (preference given to applicants enrolling at UVI)

·     or students already attending UVI who have successfully completed MAT 024

What are the costs?  Are stipends available?   

There is no cost to participants or their parents. Tuition will be provided free by the University.  Students will be provided with lunch in the UVI Cafeteria.  No stipend will be provided. 

How does one apply for admission?

The Mathematics Behind the Science Application is available for download as a PDF or Word document from our Forms page (To learn more, we encourage you to download the program flyer from our Brochures page.) A hard copy of the application form may be obtained by contacting Ms. Aimee Sanchez at 340-693-1249 (Email: aimee.sanchez@uvi.edu, Office Location: UVI Classroom Administration Building Room CA 202).

Program Director:  

Robert Stolz, PhD
College of Science and Mathematics
University of the Virgin Islands
St. Thomas, VI  00802
Email: rstolz@uvi.edu
Office: 340-693-1231
Fax: 340-693-1245