This program profile is part of WestEd’s high-level study of five mathematics programs that build student and teacher confidence, enjoyment, and skill.

This profile presents findings on the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival (JRMF), a math education nonprofit that helps students build confidence, joy, and a positive identity around math by hosting fun math events at schools, libraries, and other community centers.

At JRMF events, students explore a variety of fun, hands-on, standards-aligned math puzzles and games to struggle with new mathematics concepts and skills, build their mathematical understanding, and enjoy doing mathematics. The math festivals create opportunities for whole community engagement, and all the materials are free and accessible through the program website.

Key Insights

  • Thirty-seven percent of students reported feeling more confident about their mathematical ideas during the festival as compared to their regular classroom activities.
  • Forty-four percent of students reported having more fun working on the mathematics games and puzzles during the festival as compared to their regular classroom mathematics activities.
  • Eighty-three percent of students said they want to attend another festival.

Further Reading

Read the Innovative Mathematics Programs brief for a summary profile of all five programs and access to the full profiles of the other programs.