The Impact of (MS)2
Founded in 1977, the (MS)2 program advances diversity in the STEM fields by cultivating the mathematical and scientific abilities of underrepresented high school students of color.
Our Program
108
Students from
15
States and Washington, D.C.
60
Female
46
Male
2
Non-binary
36
Native America Students Representing
15
nations/tribes
58%
of scholars will be first-generation college students
7:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
78%
of scholars from low-income backgrounds (income < $75K)
In Action: The 47th Summer
Students React to the Impact of (MS)2
Summer 2024 was marked by a focused effort on student well being and a comprehensive program review. This year students benefited from a new assistant director for student support whose efforts bridged the gap between the classroom and care at the wellness center, when needed. Engaged alumni returned to campus for nearly three days of reflection on the history, theoretical framework, and learning environments that successfully drive deep impact for students. As in past years, programming included:
- Rigorous Math and Science Curriculum - Students participated in leveled course sections taught by faculty and teaching assistants, 60% of whom identify as people of color.
- Cultural Sharing - In this annual tradition, scholars creatively expressed unique elements of their backgrounds, sparking lively, open conversations about identity and place.
- College Counseling - A long hallmark of the program, college counseling classes centered on completing the common application, financial aid, and college visits.
"(MS)2 has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I never miss an opportunity to let freshmen at home know about going to Andover and attending this program every summer."
Jayda, (MS)2, 3rd year
"I’ve learned how to vector and solve kinematic equations, but also how to gain perspective on different cultures and backgrounds."
Kirk, (MS)2, 2nd year
82% of scholars report an increase in confidence in math and science
87% of scholars feel they belong at (MS)2
92% of scholars feel (MS)2 college counseling is impactful
Twelve (MS)2 alumni returned to Andover Summer to give back to the program! Alumni filled essential programmatic roles, including: (MS)2 intern, residential assistant, teaching assistant, special events coordinator, and college counselor.
At the (MS)2 Class of 2024 graduation ceremony, Brianna Tilley, (MS)’19 shared with the scholars:
"The tears you may feel running down your face are physical reminders of the genuine friendships and core memories you have forged. The weird feeling in your chest symbolizes the familial love and community that you shared with those around you. The pit in your stomach represents all of the late-night laughs and early morning smiles shared with those that started off as strangers. (MS)2 is not just a three-summer commitment, it is a lifelong commitment, so remember that this is not a goodbye, just a 'see you later.'"
College Matriculation
- (MS)2 immediate college enrollment rate of 90% exceeds the total national average of 66%. (source)
- (MS)2 6-year college completion rate of is on par with the total national average of 60% and exceeds the national average of BIPOC students by as much as 20%. (source)
There are over 1,400 (MS)2 alumni worldwide.
Current colleges and universities being attended: Amherst College, Arizona State University, Bates College, Bowdoin College, Brown University, Bryant University, Bucknell University, Bunker Hill Community College, Christian Brothers University, Coconino Community College, College of the Holy Cross, Colorado College, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, DePaul University, Emory University, Florida A&M University, Forsyth Technical Community College, Franklin & Marshall College, George Washington University, Glendale Community College, Harold Washington College, Harvard University, Howard University, Macalester College, MIT, Merrimack College, Middlebury College, NYU-Shanghai, Northeastern University, Northern Arizona University, Oglethorpe University, Rice University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Southern Utah University, Stanford University, Tarrant County College, Texas Christian University, Trinity Washington University, Tufts University, University of Arizona, University of Chicago, University of Denver, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Louisville, University of Maryland, University of Memphis, University of Miami, University of Michigan, University of New Mexico, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Florida, University of Southern California, University of Texas-Arlington, Utah State University, Vanderbilt University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Yale University
Director of (MS)2
Eliot B. Sykes ’97, PhD, LCSW, MSW led the program through his second summer as the director of (MS)2. With experience in curriculum development, school-community partnerships, mentorship, supporting students of color, and program evaluation and research, he brings an impressive range of skills and talents to Andover. Welcomed by scholars and faculty alike, Sykes is already beginning to work through his plans for his third summer at the helm.
Read his full profile here.
