Up early and ready to compete, more than 50 students from multiple elementary schools gathered at the Indiana State Museum. But this was not for a sporting event. The kindergarten through fifth-grade students and their families turned out early on a Saturday morning in February for a math competition.
“The Exponentia Prime Regional Math Competition is part of a larger effort to expand access to advanced math opportunities and cultivate a generation of confident, critical-thinking problem solvers,” according to a statement released by the organization.
As a math teacher, Exponentia Prime founder Patrick Jones saw firsthand the disparities for students of color in high-level math. Often, Black and brown students were absent at the math competitions, which he brought his students to.
Jones created Exponentia Prime to close the math gap for underrepresented students in advanced STEM coursework and careers. Prime is a math term and the main character’s name in his first children’s book, which is loosely based on his daughter.
With even more students competing this year, the second annual math competition included individual and team challenges.
“It was powerful to see so many young people enjoy math and enjoy a challenge,” Jones said. “All students dove deep into solving challenging tasks and using math creativity to find new solutions to new problems.”
The top three students in each division received gift cards, and the first-place winners earned a championship ring.
Following the competition, Nyla Nova Stemversity, a local STEM-focused educational organization, provided hands-on STEM activities for the students.
“We are proud to be part of something that inspires the next generation and creates opportunities that can change lives,” said Nyla Nova founder and CEO Nakeisha Washington. “Partnering with Exponentia Prime for the annual math competition is a great way to give them hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence.”
Washington said competition day is also a way for students to meet mentors, make connections and discover STEM in their everyday lives. She said exposing youth to STEM early helps them see themselves as problem solvers and future leaders.
“It is more than just a competition,” Washington said. “It is an opportunity for kids to work together, think creatively, and bring their ideas to life.”
In addition to the annual competition, Jones has created the Exponentia Prime Universe, which offers training for teachers, the children’s book series, workbooks to prepare students for ILEARN, and monthly math circles for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Jones said students do not have to be good at math to participate in any of the activities. With the help of youth and adult volunteers, the monthly math circles teach students to think through problems in a laid-back environment. Following the math challenges, students and families join in math-based games.
“I’ve been bringing my son to Exponentia Prime math circles for over a year and a half now,” said parent Latrice Watson on the organization’s Instagram page. “I keep bringing him back because it really just encourages him to continue to learn and get excited about learning, especially in the area of math. And it also gives me ideas and tools as his mother to support him throughout his learning journey.”
Jones said the organization’s mission goes beyond math. His goal is to develop students who will be “big-time problem-solvers.”
“A big-time problem solver is someone that is fearless,” said Jones. “They look at problems and run toward them with strategy and curiosity. They don’t give up. They work through problems and bring other people in for more perspective.”
Jones said society needs big-time problem solvers, and math can help develop those skills, whether the students pursue STEM or other careers.
“Math is really about critical and abstract thinking,” Jones said. “With that said, all opportunities are open to them. Lawyers think like that and so do doctors and engineers. There is no shortage of opportunities for students who can think their way through challenges.”
For more information on ILEARN workbooks, the children’s book series, volunteering or registering for the next math circle, visit exponentiaprime.com.
