MathCOUNTS Continues Empowering the Next Generation through Mathematics 

MathCOUNTS Outreach is a Dwight Hall student-led member group that hosts local events with the mission of building a lasting interest in mathematics, discovering hidden talent across age groups, and increasing math achievement in New Haven. The organization coordinates several major events each year, including Girls Math Day—an event dedicated to women in math—as well as local and state competitions. 

MathCOUNTS recruits Yale undergraduate volunteers (primarily from competitive math backgrounds) to coach math teams at local New Haven elementary and middle schools. The organization now has 10 board members, coaches at 12 New Haven middle schools, more than 40 active Yale student coaches, and hundreds of students subscribed to its weekly newsletter. 

Joe Abou-Khalil ’27, the current vice president of the organization, spoke about his experience with MathCOUNTS. 

“I joined MathCOUNTS Outreach during my first year at Yale and began teaching once a week at Wexler-Grant Elementary. Each Friday, we worked with Ms. Bonz, one of the school’s math instructors, to plan and lead interactive lessons covering topics such as geometry, fractions, and introductory algebra. We focused on activity-based learning rather than traditional lectures. Students worked in small groups, used whiteboards to test ideas, and talked through their reasoning with one another.” 

He continued, “Some days, we turned lessons into games—timing how quickly teams could solve logic puzzles or building geometric figures with manipulatives to make abstract concepts more concrete. Over time, it was rewarding to see students grow more comfortable participating and supporting one another during problem-solving.” 

The impact of MathCOUNTS extends beyond the students it serves. Reflecting on his experience, Joe said, “My experience with MathCOUNTS Outreach has been deeply formative during my time at Yale. As a biology major, the organization introduced me to peers with interests spanning education, engineering, math, and public service.” He added that MathCOUNTS helped reaffirm his interest in pediatrics and in working with children in supportive, educational settings. 

Joe concluded, “Most of all, I am thankful for the students we work with each week. Their willingness to show up, try new problems, and learn together is what gives MathCOUNTS Outreach its meaning.” 

Looking ahead, MathCOUNTS is excited to build stronger relationships within the community and encourage more students in the area to engage with mathematics. The organization is always seeking additional student volunteers interested in supporting its mission. 

Learn more about the group here. 

During his undergraduate days, Dwight Hall alum Brian Edwards ’08 started the student-led member group as the first officially recognized MATHCOUNTS-college partnership connecting university student coaches with middle school students in their local communities. MathCOUNTS Outreach is emblematic of the Engage pillar of Dwight Hall’s Engage, Grow, and Advance program delivery model, supporting 87 student-led member groups and forging trusted partnerships with New Haven organizations through community-engaged service.