Math Launch Program Accelerates Student Success at UCF

UCF is breaking down barriers to STEM success with Math Launch, an accelerated program designed to prepare incoming students for Calculus I -the critical starting point for engineering, computer science and other science majors.

By strengthening skills in algebra, trigonometry and pre-calculus, Math Launch enables students to become calculus-ready in just one semester through a boot camp-style course.

"Math Launch is removing barriers and helping more STEM students stay on track," says UCF Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs John Buckwalter. "This unique program aligns analytics, instruction and coaching to meet students where they are and move them faster toward earning their degrees."

Math Launch changes students' trajectory. In Fall 2023, 64% of Math Launch participants became calculus-ready in a single semester.

For engineering and STEM disciplines, Calculus I is the expected entry point. Yet, in 2019-20, 43% of aspiring engineers and scientists needed one to four prerequisite math courses (intermediate algebra, college algebra, precalculus or trigonometry) before qualifying.

Students who were not calculus-ready had only a 15.9% four-year graduation rate, with many deciding to leave their engineering major altogether. In contrast, calculus-ready students graduated in four years at nearly 48%.

A Supportive Pathway to Student Success

The program builds on the proven EXCEL Math Boot Camp model, expanding it into a full academic term. Students benefit from dedicated faculty and peer learning assistants who provide personalized guidance. They use an adaptive learning platform that tailor instruction to each student's needs. The flexible pacing allows students to progress at their own speed. And, the program is cost efficient for students, since multiple prerequisite courses are condensed into one Math Launch class.

"Students becoming calculus-ready sooner increases retention and decreases time to degree," says UCF's Executive Director for iSTEM Melissa Dagley. "They are more likely to remain in their STEM major, saving both time and money, and are prepared sooner to enter the workforce."

For computer science major Jack Livingston, Math Launch was transformative. He knew math would be the hurdle that could slow him down as he began to take courses in his major at UCF. Like many aspiring engineers and scientists, Livingston needed more math courses to get to Calculus I, the gateway course for most STEM disciplines. But thanks to Math Launch, he not only caught up and surged ahead, but he also became a peer advisor for other students in the program.

"The program was a game-changer for me," Livingston says. "It accelerated my progress in math and gave me the tools and support to stay on track with my cohort. The confidence and connections I built carried into higher-level courses and even my professional internship."

Livingston credits Math Launch with helping him prepare for a cybersecurity internship in New York City and freeing up time to explore electives like personal finance.

Successful Outcomes

In the 2023 pilot cohort, 29% of students became calculus-ready by the end of the first term. By 2024, that number jumped to 62% in one semester.

According to Dagley, Math Launch students achieved an 85% Calculus I pass rate, higher than peers on the traditional pathway. Participants took fewer credits overall, saving tuition and accelerating graduation timelines.

By accelerating readiness for Calculus I, Math Launch directly supports UCF's mission to help students graduate on time, remain in STEM majors, and enter the workforce prepared and ready for real world challenges.

"Without Math Launch, I'd be way behind," says Livingston, set to graduate in May. "It let me tackle difficult classes early and stay on track for graduation."

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