The Auburn University Foundation has received a gift worth $304,975 from The Malone Family Foundation of Dothan Alabama to fund a project entitled "Improving Grades 6-12 Mathematics Education in East Alabama Using Technology" directed by Marilyn Strutchens and W. Gary Martin, professors of mathematics education in the College of Education.

This project will enhance the activities of the TEAM-Math project, a unique partnership that includes Auburn University's College of Education and College of Science and Mathematics, Tuskegee University and 15 school districts in East Alabama, working together to improve mathematics education in east Alabama. Currently in its fourth year of a five-year grant from the National Science Foundation's Math and Science Partnership program, TEAM-Math has made great strides in improving student scores on state-mandated achievement tests.

"The Malone Family Foundation's gift will provide additional support for the use of technology in east Alabama's secondary schools," says Strutchens.  The gift will provide participating schools state-of-the-art mathematics software designed to enhance student learning of mathematics as well as graphing calculators, resources that the schools frequently cannot afford. The gift also provides intensive preparation for the teachers in effectively using the technology. 

"The Malone Family Foundation is delighted to partner with Auburn University and TEAM-Math to promote mathematics education in East Alabama," says Alyson Malone of The Malone Family Foundation. "We are dedicated to funding programs we believe will help improve the education of the children and young adults of Alabama, thus giving them better opportunities for success in life. TEAM-Math has worked diligently to devise a program aimed at improving mathematics programs in East Alabama, and we look forward to seeing the results of this endeavor."

The gift will count as part of the "It Begins at Auburn" Campaign which encompasses all colleges and schools as well as the AU libraries and museums, athletics and Auburn University Montgomery. Endowments for student scholarships, faculty, programs and unrestricted dollars make up 58 percent of the campaign's goal. In addition to endowments, the campaign will focus on facilities and equipment, campus beautification, research and current operations.