Closing foundational math gaps for underserved students, one small group at a time.
American STEM Academy provides targeted, small-group mathematics intervention for underserved students. Using assessment data to identify foundational learning gaps, we meet students where they are, strengthen essential math skills, and build the confidence they need to succeed in mathematics and beyond.
“To provide accessible STEM education and whole-child enrichment for students, with an emphasis on underserved youth, to support learning, opportunity, and community growth.”
American STEM Academy was founded in 2025 to close foundational mathematics gaps that keep underserved students from succeeding in grade-level math and pursuing future STEM opportunity. Our model pairs diagnostic-driven, individualized learning plans with small-group, scaffolded instruction — embedded directly into the school day rather than competing with it.
Hakimah Smith
An experienced mathematics educator with more than a decade of experience across elementary, middle, and high school math — teacher, department leader, curriculum developer, and interventionist. B.S. in Mathematics, Bennett College; currently pursuing graduate studies in Educational Leadership at Harvard University.
Two communities, one model of sustained, diagnostic-driven support.
Broward County, Florida
A small-group mathematics intervention for middle school students performing below grade level, delivered inside the school day. A diagnostic assessment builds an individualized learning plan for every student, followed by twice-weekly scaffolded, small-group instruction and ongoing progress monitoring.
Kingston & St. Andrew
The PEP Mathematics Readiness Program follows a grade 4 cohort through grade 6 and their Primary Exit Profile sitting, combining weekly virtual Saturday sessions with in-person winter and summer boot camps. Launched in response to Hurricane Melissa’s widespread disruption to schooling, the program is entirely free to every participating family.
Every student's plan starts with real data, not a guess.
Diagnose
A strand-by-strand diagnostic identifies each student's specific foundational gaps before instruction begins.
Plan
Results build an Individualized Learning Plan with priority skills, measurable goals, and a small-group placement.
Teach
Scaffolded small-group instruction and collaborative problem-solving build conceptual understanding, not memorization.
Measure
Ongoing formative checks and a post-assessment measure real growth against each student's starting point.
There's a place for you in this work.
Schools & Districts
Bring a diagnostic-driven small-group math intervention into your school day or Title I program.
Start a conversation →Funders & Partners
Support a Year 1 pilot serving students in Broward County or Kingston/St. Andrew, Jamaica.
Request our proposal →Educators
Join a growing team building an evidence-based model for closing foundational math gaps.
Get in touch →American STEM Academy
Broward County, Florida
Hakimah@americanstemacademy.org
(609) 848-3197
americanstemacademy.org
Founded 2025
© 2026 American STEM Academy. All rights reserved.