How Phillips 66's Partnership with ST Math Is Transforming Math Education for Over a Decade

Doubling Math Gains through Phillips 66 and ST Math Partnership

In an impressive educational initiative, more than 60,000 students are experiencing a significant boost in their math skills thanks to the collaborative efforts of Phillips 66 and the MIND Research Institute's ST Math program. Recent findings reveal that students utilizing this innovative program in Phillips 66-funded schools achieved over twice the annual growth in math compared to their counterparts. This extraordinary result is part of a broader success story that encapsulates a decade-long partnership dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes.

The study analyzed the performance of 3,240 students in grades 3 to 5 across 23 schools, uncovering a 12.4 percentile point advantage in state math rankings for these students in Spring 2024. The ST Math program, which adheres to the principles of how the brain learns, aims to improve overall cognitive skills through dynamic visual problem-solving. This program is recognized as the first PreK–8 supplemental math curriculum rooted in neuroscience, helping students engage deeply with mathematical concepts.

Phillips 66's support has been unwavering since the partnership commenced in 2014. Initially intended as a means to promote STEM education within communities surrounding Phillips 66 facilities, the initiative has expanded to fund the ST Math program entirely at 126 schools across multiple states, including California, Texas, and New Jersey. The program remains robust; once schools incorporate ST Math, they rarely discontinue participation, underscoring its effectiveness and the benefit it provides to educators and students alike.

Schools participating in the ST Math program have reported remarkable improvements in student engagement and comprehension. As Kim Anthony, Executive Director of Elementary Education at Billings Public Schools, stated: "Our elementary students love JiJi and ST Math! Students are building perseverance and a deep conceptual understanding of math while having fun." She emphasized that the program cultivates resilience and encourages a growth mindset essential for successful problem-solving.

To augment the in-class experience, Phillips 66 and the MIND Research Institute have introduced Family Math Nights—interactive events drawing together students, families, and volunteer employees from Phillips 66. These evenings provide opportunities for attendees to partake in engaging math activities, thereby fostering a community spirit while empowering parents with tools to support their children's mathematical learning at home.

Phillips 66's Courtney Meadows, Manager of Social Impact, emphasized their commitment to community enrichment, stating: "This partnership is more than a program. It's a decade of consistent, community-rooted support aimed at building the next generation of thinkers."

The ST Math program has reached millions of students nationwide and stands out for its unique learning strategy. By translating abstract mathematical concepts into interactive visuals, it effectively dismantles linguistic barriers, benefiting all learners—including English language learners and special education students. The program’s distinct approach has proven to be intuitive and empowering, consistently driving measurable improvements in math proficiency.

As Brett Woudenberg, CEO of MIND Education, noted: "ST Math offers a learning experience that’s natural, intuitive, and empowering—while driving measurable gains in math proficiency. Math is a gateway to brighter futures, and we're proud to partner with Phillips 66 in expanding access to high-quality math learning for thousands of students."

In summary, the partnership between Phillips 66 and the MIND Research Institute brings us compelling evidence of the transformative power of community-focused educational programs. With an impressive decade of collaboration, they have set the groundwork for unprecedented growth in students’ mathematical skills, significantly impacting their educational journeys and preparing them for future challenges. The continuous evolution of support and resources provided will undoubtedly shape the next generation’s academic landscape.

For more insights and impact stories from the ST Math initiative, visit MIND Education's Success Stories.