Scholars wear Legacy imprinted t-shirts each day to reinforce the “group concept” of the summer academy and remain focused on goals set early in the orientation process.

Giving up a summer of recreation and leisure to study mathematics at an incredibly difficulty pace is not something most young men would choose. Every scholar in the program who completes classes with A, B and C grades receives this award. We aim for 100% completion each summer.

Each scholar is required to submit a non-refundable deposit to participate in Pre-Assessment Tutorial Program and Accelerated Summer Mathematics Academy. Many students from low-income families have difficulty sparing even this small amount for a single child in the family. Students whose high schools are not in the same “feeder” districts of community sites are also charged out-of-district fees; we aim to ensure no student is prevented from becoming a Legacy Scholar due to financial limitations…your assistance is crucial.

Program Advisors and Homeroom Coordinator select several scholars each summer whose performance, academic growth, or personal demeanor merit additional recognition. These scholars will be presented specially selected cultural books and Legacy letter jackets at the Culmination Ceremony in August 2010.

The Accelerated Summer Mathematics Academy and concurrent activities cannot be conducted during the spring and fall without the support of collegiate partners. Our collegiate partners host classes, sponsor campus tours, and conduct intensive residential programs designed to ensure that our scholars are well informed about admission requirements and campus programs and other attractions. Legacy staff and administrators select one of the partners each year for special recognition, awarding a plaque and “picture book” depicting outstanding services.

The recent headlines regarding college costs for tuition have taken attention away from one of the most burdensome aspects of college attendance—paying for expensive textbooks. We are long past the days when a simple math book cost $35 each; at each of the community college sites used for ASMA 2009, the average book cost $143 plus tax. Each donation received in this category allows Legacy to expend funds to support scholars in other areas.

The Accelerated Mathematics Academy is comprised of much more than students attending classes; it is this and much more. Each Friday, scholars ride in modern air conditioned busses to explore private, University of California, California State University and California Community College campuses. These trips are designed to provide scholars direct information from admissions representatives at these sites regarding admissions requirements and related information. In addition, scholars are exposed to majors where mathematics provides the foundation for higher level studies or professions. The college trips give students and parents or guardians opportunities to ask direct questions to college representatives about housing, financial aid or other important topics.

The Pre-Assessment Tutorial program operates from February through end of April each year and is designed to accomplish two specific goals. Students are provided assistance to navigate their current math classes; they also receive extensive assessments to aid tutoring staff in designing math strengthening programs to help them pass community college mathematics assessments tests required for the Accelerated Summer Mathematics Academy. Each donation allows Legacy to hire an additional tutor to keep tutor-to-scholar ratios at no higher than ten scholars per tutor. Tutors also see scholars on a daily basis during the 6-week summer mathematics classes. These tutors work directly with students to facilitate a daily career speaker, provide daily cultural lessons about African contributions to the field of mathematics, and the tutors refer our scholars to on-campus resources to ensure success in their classes.

This program component is reserved for students who receive A and B grades in their summer community college classes. Students will depart from their families on a Sunday afternoon; check in to actual college dormitories at either UC Riverside or UC Irvine. During their week away, they will explore campus facilities, programs, majors, and get opportunities to interact with current college students. This component is also designed to reinforce the importance of mathematics for future study and entry into select professions. College students and campus professionals provide daily guidance and overnight supervision for the scholars. Scholars may also use the college campus as a departing point to explore other campuses in the region.

Parents are the most crucial partner in this entire enterprise; Legacy conducts a series of orientation meetings for parents several times throughout the year. The first of these meetings provides parents an overview of the Accelerated Summer Mathematics Academy and the Pre-Assessment Tutorial requirements for each scholar. A second orientation occurs just prior to the community college assessment where Legacy informs students and parents of their selection to enter the assessment phase of the program. A third session occurs just prior to the Summer Academy to reinforce Legacy, parental and student responsibilities throughout the summer classes and clear up any last minute concerns. Several additional sessions are scheduled to provide parents a thorough understanding of California’s A-G requirements, testing options and important admissions and financial aid deadlines. Parents complete the summer program with a wealth of knowledge regarding high school course selection patterns and college admissions options for their scholars.

The annual Black Los Angeles Tour is a highlight for all scholars as they explore African American contributions to the historical and current development of this great American city. Scholars are guided by Professor Toni Humber, Ph.D., professor of Anthropology at Cal Poly State University Pomona. Dr. Humber is a internationally known for her work on African/Hispanic history and heritage. Scholars visit several historical sites, a university campus, and given presentations by professionals at each location. This is a daylong event and parents do join students for this outstanding activity.