Bloomington students, staff, and district administrators earned national recognition from the Carnegie Foundation for their work in a math engagement research project.

The goal of the project, conducted in partnership with Child Trends, McREL International, and Search Institute, is to find better ways to help middle and high school students stay interested and involved in math. The Carnegie Foundation, a leading institution driving educational change nationwide, has used the team’s work to help shape its new Research and Development Agenda.

The research team includes current and former BPS students Salma Ahmed, Antonio Chavira, Brianna Espy, Ryan Ombongi, Serrah Ssemukutu, and Diamond Tony-Uduhirinwa; teachers Nate Earley, Karina Mazurek, Kathleen Morgan, Karla Rokke, and Ashly Tritch; and district staff Julio Caesar, Marcie Coval, Betsy Hawes, and Rik Lamm.

Ssemukutu, an incoming Jefferson sophomore, was also featured in the foundation's blog for her participation on the team.

“I believe students should have a meaningful voice in their education,” Ssemukutu says. “They should feel empowered to speak openly and supported in advocating for positive change.”