Mike Hauser Algebra Academy Enters Third Year

The Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor the Mike Hauser Algebra Academy running June 14-July 2, 2010. In partnership with Agilent Technologies, JDS Uniphase, Medtronic Cardiovascular, and Pacific Gas & Electric Co., as well as the Sonoma County Office of Education, and Piner-Olivet, Roseland and Santa Rosa City School Districts, the Academy will be held for sixty English Language Learner students entering the eighth or ninth grade in the fall.

Students will spend one week at three of the sponsor companies, learning algebra standards and their application to high-tech real-world situations. As incentive for the students to attend the academy, transportation and lunch will also be provided. A graduation ceremony will be held Friday, July 2nd at 11:30 am at Agilent Technologies.

The Academy is named for late Santa Rosa Chamber president, Mike Hauser. Mike had a vision for our community in which even those students who struggled to learn English would be able to graduate from high school and thereby realize opportunities for employment and further education that would otherwise not be possible. He understood that learning algebra was a particular obstacle to graduation for students with language difficulties. From Mike’s dream an incredible partnership was formed between local educators and businesses, and the first Algebra Academy was launched in the summer of 2008.

“We’re very excited to launch this new class of the Mike Hauser Algebra Academy” said Jonathan Coe, Chamber president. “This program is a great example of how businesses are working to make a difference in our community and help kids gain the knowledge that will help them succeed in later life. Mike’s vision truly continues to be at work.”

The Algebra Academy was awarded Outstanding New Program by the Western Association of Chamber Executives in February, 2009.