The Clorox Company and Pine Sol are partnering with the P.O.W.E.R. (Presenting Opportunities, Winning Effectual Results) Organization to support high quality, out-of-school math programs for Metro Detroit youth and their families through a grant and national media recognition.
Through its partnership with The Clorox Company and Pine Sol, P.O.W.E.R. has purchased a portable computer lab expanding its Mathematical Monday’s series for youth in grades three to nine in both Detroit and Pontiac.
“Through the use of sports as a theme we break down mathematics to help kids understand,” said LaToniya A. Jones, P.O.W.E.R.’s founder and executive director. “We use the statistics to teach the children whatever it is they need.”
Presenting the information utilizing team sports as examples, P.O.W.E.R. students are exposed to the teams they love most, including the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Red Wings. Everything from player stats to the basic game play is creatively incorporated. Even golf becomes fun for kids through an innovative partnership. P.O.W.E.R.’s annual Mathematical Mondays sport series is hosted each spring on the links.
“My daughter was enrolled in last year’s program,” said Verena Fane, Oak Park resident and involved parent. “She’s studied rates, ratios, proportions and fractions. And the program encourages youth to look at stats to convert the information. They’re taught the basic concepts and principals to help them create and change fractions to decimals.”
On the course children put together their own story problems by making mathematical connections through the use of their surroundings. This spring the partnership will assist students with geometry and measurements in partnership with Mason Golf, owned and operated by Lindsey L. Mason III, at the New Rogell Golf Course on Detroit’s west side, on Berg Rd. at W. Seven Mile Rd.
In support of her commitment, leadership and efforts to improve math literacy, Jones will be featured in the Powerful Women series of Essence magazine. The Clorox Company and Pine Sol initially acknowledged the P.O.W.E.R. Organization with similar support during the 2009 Sister Speak Luncheon tour in this past June and later in Ebony magazine.
“Toni has worked tirelessly to advocate for strong partnerships that provide affordable and free programs where kids and their families learn math, oftentimes together, in a fun way,” said Edmond Douglas, board president of the P.O.W.E..R. Organization. “Awards such as this make all our efforts worthwhile and will go a long way in helping fund additional programs for the children and families whom POWER targets.”
P.O.W.E.R. partners with colleges, churches, businesses and community groups to provide customized programs where youth learn in multi-age, multi-ability level groups. The organization’s programs are unique in their scope and accessibility, currently operating throughout Southeastern Michigan.
“P.O.W.E.R. continues to evolve as parents and children share ways that our programs are making a major difference in their school work and daily lives,” said Jones. “We feel fortunate to be in a position to help excite and meet the needs of youth and families with math. This honor and partnership with The Clorox-Pine Sol company is helping P.O.W.E.R. fulfill our vision of working collectively to strengthen and celebrate the many untapped skills and talents of youth.”
P.O.W.E.R.’s additional focus includes Math Enrichment Programs (Weekend Challenges, Family Math & Tech Affairs, and Urban Math Focus Groups), Annual Math Mini-Career Conferences, and Summer Math Camps (Back2School-Math Games).
The organization offers summer math camps for youth entering grades three to nine, in which students participate in a two-and-a-half week, full day camp (June/August) that allows them to engage in team building activities via academic/physical competition on interest-based math challenges; work independently to improve individual math skills; and have an overnight (one to three days) camp experience in a traditional camp setting.
Open enrollment for the programs including the camp is available. Parents and students can contact P.O.W.E.R. Organization to learn more at 313-415-8575, follow and tweet them at www.twitter.com/POWERORGmath or send an e-mail to info@powertheyouth.org, or www.powertheyouth.org.
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