USCA receives grant for math center of excellence

USCA, Columbia College and Newberry College received a $540,000 grant from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) to establish the PRIME Center of Excellence: Promoting Research, Innovation, and Mastery in Elementary Math. 

“This grant allows us to expand the reach of research based mathematics instruction and provide emerging educators across the state with the tools they need for long term success,” said Dr. Judy Beck, one of USCA's principal investigators for the collaboration.

“Working alongside Columbia College and Newberry College enhances the strength of this initiative and ensures that PRIME will make a lasting difference for both teachers and the students they serve. We are honored to be part of this transformative work.”
 
As part of the initiative, USCA education majors will work with teachers in the Aiken County School District, tutoring elementary students throughout the county in math. The PRIME Center is expected to impact more than 300 elementary students and will prepare more than 180 pre-service teachers. In addition, more than 150 in-service teachers and more than 30 teacher educators will have access to professional development opportunities. Through these collective efforts, estimated 3,000 elementary students indirectly benefit from improved mathematics instruction across partner districts.

The South Carolina School Report Card indicates that 42.8 percent of students in the state met or exceeded expectations in math on the SC Ready exam in 2024. To help improve these scores, the PRIME Center of Excellence will partner with Aiken County Public School District, Richland County School District One, Sumter County School District, and the School District of Newberry County to provide tutoring for students in grades 1-5.

“PRIME represents an important opportunity to strengthen elementary mathematics education across South Carolina. Through this partnership, we’re able to bring together the expertise of three institutions to support teachers in developing the deep content knowledge and innovative strategies that lead to stronger student learning. I’m proud of the collaborative vision behind this project and excited for the meaningful impact it will have on classrooms throughout our state,” said Dr. Bridget Coleman, who joins Beck as a principal investigator. 

Together, they will establish and lead the Center of Excellence, coordinate and implement initiatives across all three institutions and the counties they serve and track, evaluate, and report on grant progress.

In USCA’s Strategic Plan 2030, the university commits to meeting regional needs while providing education majors timely, relevant and dynamic experiences that prepare them for their own classrooms upon graduation. In addition to gaining teaching experience and enhancing their professional development opportunities, the grant provides USCA’s tutors with a stipend. 

“This award is a direct reflection of the dedication and scholarship of our USCA faculty. Their work ensures that teacher preparation is grounded in evidence and impact,” said Dr. David Buckman, dean of the USCA School of Education.

“We are proud to join Columbia College and Newberry College in the PRIME Center and grateful to the CHE for supporting an initiative that will strengthen elementary math learning for students across South Carolina.”

The project is funded for three years, specifically $180,000 per year, totaling $540,000.

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