Math in Mosaic – Photo Preview
☀️ Summer 2026  ·  Española, New Mexico

Two Weeks of Creative, Collaborative Math

Math in Mosaic invites rising 6th & 7th graders to explore mathematics through games, puzzles, art, and traditional weaving — in a joyful, welcoming community that believes every student is a math person.

Math in Mosaic
Math in Mosaic
Creative Thinkers. Mathematical Doers.
Summer 2026 Program
Math in Mosaic
📅
The weeks of June 8–12 and 15–19
🕗
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Mon–Fri
📍
Northern New Mexico College
👧
Rising 6th & 7th Graders
No Prerequisites Waivers Available $125 Tuition
20–25
Campers per session
2
Weeks of exploration
100%
Refundable with 9 of 10 complete days attendance. Financial aid available.
Curiosity encouraged
Students in classroom Students building polyhedra Students playing outside Students playing Liars Bingo
The Program

Math in Mosaic Summer Camp

A two-week day program where discovery, collaboration, and creative thinking take center stage — no prerequisites required.

Summer 2026 · Española, NM
Math in Mosaic — Inaugural Session
Apply →
📅
Dates
The weeks of June 8–12 and 15–19
Registration open April – May 2026
🕗
Daily Hours
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday
📍
Location
Northern New Mexico College
In collaboration with the College's Mathematics Department · Española, NM
NNMC campus
👧
Who Can Attend
Rising 6th & 7th Graders
Students entering 6th or 7th grade in Fall 2026. No prerequisites required.
👥
Enrollment
20–25 students (minimum 15, maximum 28)
💰
Tuition
$125 · Fully refundable with 9 of 10 days attendance
Waivers available — cost will never be a barrier to participation
🏛️
Administered By
Northern New Mexico College & MathAmigos
With support from the Summer Mathematics Programs Consortium
Why Math in Mosaic

Discover, Connect, Have Fun

Our camp blends challenging, creative math with a warm, supportive community. Students leave with new skills, new friends, and a fresh perspective on what math can be.

Pattern blocks
🧩

Fun, Hands-On Learning

Explore math through games, puzzles, and creative challenges — not worksheets.

Students together
🤝

Build Real Community

Work alongside peers who share your curiosity. Small rotating groups mean every student connects with many different people.

Algorithmic art
🎨

Art & Math Together

Afternoons at the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center bring the geometry of traditional weaving to life.

Growth mindset
💡

Growth Mindset

We celebrate persistence, not just answers.

Community
🌿

Community-Centered

Priority enrollment for students from underserved, rural, and Indigenous communities in northern New Mexico.

Student focused on work
🌟

Expert Instructors

Dedicated math educators and student mentors — including Heather Pierce, James Taylor, and Lora Saarnio.

Daily Structure

A Day at Math in Mosaic

Every day combines deep mathematical exploration with creative activities, outdoor fun, and community connection.

8:30 AM
🌅
Morning warm-up activity

Morning Warm-Up

Gather as a group, share puzzles and brain teasers, and ease into the day with light mathematical games.

9:00 AM
🧠
Math exploration

Math Exploration

Math circles and collaborative problem-solving in rotating small groups.

Noon
🥗
Students outside at lunch

Lunch & Free Time

Refuel, relax, and recharge! Play outdoor games, enjoy fresh air, and make friends.

1:00 PM
🧵
Weaving activity

Weaving & Enrichment

Afternoons at the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center. Learn to weave, explore math through art.

Rug samplers

🧵 Math in Every Thread

Weaving is one of New Mexico's oldest art forms — and it's deeply mathematical.

📐 Symmetry & geometric design
📏 Calculating warp & weft ratios
∠ Angles & diagonal patterns
🔢 Repeating patterns & sequences
🎨 Color fractions & proportions
🏗️ Structural planning & measurement
✦ Unique to Math in Mosaic

Where Tradition
Meets Mathematics

One of the most special parts of our program is our afternoon weaving sessions at the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center (EVFAC). Fiber arts are woven into the cultures of New Mexico, in some cases going back hundreds of years.

Students learn to weave on real looms and bring home the products of their efforts. Along the way, they discover that weaving is mathematical in surprising and beautiful ways.

It's hands-on, culturally rooted, and genuinely fun.

Join the Camp →
Our People

Meet the Team

Math in Mosaic is led by a dedicated group of educators, mathematicians, and community members who believe every student can love math.

👩‍🏫
Heather Pierce
Camp Co-Director
Oversees program operations, curriculum alignment, and day-to-day coordination at NNMC.
Co-Director
James Taylor
James Taylor
Camp Co-Director
MathAmigos Co-founder. Leads family outreach, fundraising, and community partnerships.
Co-Director
Lora Saarnio
Lora Saarnio
Guest Math Wizard
Executive Director of Math in the Mountains. Brings experienced counselors to support campers.
Staff
Ana Vasilic
Ana Vasilic
NNMC Math Chair
Chair of the Mathematics Department at NNMC. Her support and partnership have made Math in Mosaic possible.
Partner
🏕️
Camp Interns
Student Support
Undergraduate and graduate students who assist instructors and help prepare materials.
Intern
Costs & Access

Accessible to Every Student

We believe cost should never be a barrier. Our nominal tuition helps cover program costs — with full waivers available.

💰

Program Tuition

$125
One-time fee · Two-week program
Fully refundable upon 9 of 10 days attendance. Supported in part by the Summer Mathematics Programs Consortium seed grant.
🎁

Tuition Waivers

Free
For families who need it
Full and partial waivers available. Simply indicate your need when applying — every student is welcome.
📅

When to Apply

Apr–May
Registration window · 2026
Applications open April 2026. Space is limited to about 25 students — apply early!
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend Math in Mosaic?+
Rising 6th and 7th graders — students entering 6th or 7th grade in Fall 2026.
Do students need prior math experience?+
No prerequisites at all! The program is designed to meet students where they are and spark curiosity.
How do I apply for a tuition waiver?+
Check the waiver request box on the application form and someone from our team will follow up.
Is the $125 tuition really refundable?+
Yes! The $125 fee is fully refunded to families whose student attends at least 9 of 10 program days.
Spots Are Limited

Ready to Join the Adventure?

Registration for Summer 2026 opens in April. Every curious rising 6th or 7th grader in northern New Mexico is welcome.

Apply for Summer 2026
June 2026Program Dates
$125Tuition (waivers avail.)
Española, NMNorthern NM College
~25 SpotsLimited enrollment
Our Partners

Supported By

Math in Mosaic is made possible through the generous support of these outstanding organizations committed to mathematics education.

MathAmigos
MathAmigos
Math Circles of Chicago
Math Circles of Chicago
Summer Mathematics Programs Consortium
Summer Mathematics Programs Consortium