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.
55%
Female
43%
Male
2%
Non-binary
30
Native America Students Representing
12
nations/tribes
58%
of scholars will be first-generation college students
6:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
78%
of scholars from low-income backgrounds (income < $75K)
In Action: The 46th Summer
Students React to the Impact of (MS)2
Continuing its shift away from the immediate impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, (MS)2 entered its 46th year with a new director, a return to a more traditional residential life model, and a focus on scholar behavioral health and well-being. Under the direction of Dr. Eliot B. Sykes, (MS)2 fostered a dynamic community dedicated to helping students of color excel and find their voices in the world through:
- 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.
“I gained so much confidence. (MS)2 has pushed me to actually be myself and excel in my academics. I made so many new friends from all over the world, and they have changed my perspectives on many things and have created a better version of me.”
Jayhronnie (MS)2 ’24
“As a minority student, I have struggled to find opportunities where people believe in my potential, but (MS)2 welcomed me and encouraged me to succeed. Words will never be able to express how thankful I feel.”
Lizbeth (MS)2 ’23
82% of scholars felt more confident in their math and science abilities
87% of scholars felt they belonged at (MS)2
92% of scholars felt (MS)2 college counseling was impactful
(MS)2 Faculty React to Summer 2023
Eleven (MS)2 alumni returned to Andover Summer to give back to the program! Alumni filled essential programmatic roles, including: (MS)2 Intern, Residential Assistant, seven Teaching Assistants, and two College Counselors. These alumni rediscovered favorite hangouts, traditions, and friendships, and it was rewarding to see scholars from across the decades connecting in meaningful ways.
“Being a TA was an incredible experience. My main goal was to connect with the students and make an impact on them. I wanted them to know it is possible to set high goals and move forward to them. As alumni of the program, I feel TAs can make the biggest impact on our scholars and I wanted to be that one person for them.”
Kailani Charlie (MS)2 ’19
“Our students are so incredibly talented and brave. Despite the challenges that several of them faced, they persisted and remained committed to creating change on our campus. They reminded me of the power of working together towards a common goal.”
Karina Hernandez-Guarniz (MS)2 ’96
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
Welcoming a new leader
This summer, Eliot B. Sykes, PhD, LCSW, MSW, and a Phillips Academy alumnus, led the program through his first summer as Director of (MS)2. With direct experience in curriculum development, school-community partnerships, mentorship, supporting students of color, and program evaluation and research, he brought an impressive range of skills and talents to Andover. He was welcomed by scholars and faculty alike, and is already beginning to work through his plans for his second summer at the helm.
Read his full profile here.
