NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program is offering a mathematics advancement class for middle and high school students.  The Gifted Math Program is an afterschool group that meets once a week.  It offers enrichment and enhancement for students in middle and high school by studying fields of math that are not normally covered in high school.  Mrs. Eowyn Cenek, a PhD student in the Dept. of Mathematics at the University of Southern Mississippi, instructs the class.
Topics covered in the program include cryptography, logic, network/graph theory and advanced problem solving techniques.  Cryptography is the study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of third parties.  It is a commonly used application when dealing with ATM cards, computer passwords, and electronic commerce. Using graph theory, engineers develop computer chips for optimizing processing speed and electrical efficiency.  With the advancements in digital technology, this program is designed to increase scientific literacy by inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The class meets every Wednesday for nine weeks at Mount Olive Ministries from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. For more information, contact Tony Duckworth at 601-466-0600.