Nebraska Math Readiness Equals College Success

The Nebraska Math Readiness Project (NMRP) began in 2018 to support community college students struggling with persistence, retention, completion, and success in college math courses.  An innovative approach to prevent enrollment in remedial math courses was created to address math competency gaps prior to high school graduation. Students build mastery in individualized, self-paced courses with interactive math software and a high school or college instructor. Students reaching specific competency levels are exempt from developmental coursework, thus reducing student costs and time to start on college program courses and increasing degree obtainment and success in college-level coursework. To date, NMRP has worked with all six Nebraska community colleges—led by Central Community College and Metropolitan Community College—58 high schools, and 2,750 students. Seventy-four percent of NMRP students have enrolled in college, with 72 percent of those enrolled persisting to a second year of college and earning an average 2.94 GPA. Cost savings from students through year four exceeded $1 million.

Innovators

• Mike Flesch, Dean, Math and Natural Sciences, Metropolitan Community College
• Corey Hatt, Program Director, Math Readiness, Central Community College
• Candace Walton, Vice President, Innovation and Instruction, Central Community College