October 9th, 2025
This fall, I had the opportunity to travel up and down California’s Central Valley, visiting each of our Math Bridge classrooms. Across every school site, from long-time partners to brand-new additions, one message rang clear: when high schools and colleges work together, students thrive.
The Math Bridge program, designed to strengthen pathways from high school to college-level mathematics, is succeeding thanks to passionate educators, engaged students, and powerful partnerships between school districts and local colleges.
Each classroom I visited had its own rhythm, culture, and story. Yet, every site was anchored in the same values: equity, collaboration, and academic opportunity.
Highlights from the Road
At Gustine High School, co-teachers Amandeep Kaur and Juan Murillo de Leon are leading their first-ever Math Bridge cohort in partnership with Merced College. Their dynamic co-teaching model exemplifies what this program is all about: shared leadership and strong support for students as they begin their journey toward college-level math.
Mariposa High School is one of our long-term partner schools, now serving a second Math Bridge cohort. Ben Jewell is laying a strong foundation in statistics this fall, with Merced College’s Kristi Rieg set to join in spring. The momentum here is undeniable; students are building both confidence and competence.
At Sanger High School, dual-certified educator Jon Foster brings the best of both worlds, teaching as both the high school and college instructor. His students, part of our second cohort with Reedley College, were laser-focused during a refresher quiz, setting the stage for deeper statistical work ahead.
At Dinuba High School, Mr. Jose Garcia is expertly guiding students through both high school and college-level statistics. This visit gave me a chance to share encouragement (and snacks!) with a new cohort already showing great promise. Their predecessors made waves at last year’s CVHEC Summit, and we expect no less from this group!
Led by Jovian Soto, Atwater High School’s Math Bridge class is setting students up for success in STEM fields. Jeanne Lane from Merced College will join the classroom in the spring, bringing college instruction directly to students. During my visit, I saw firsthand their excitement for the semester ahead.
Hands-on learning was in full swing at Riverdale High School, where Mr. Michael Weibert had students estimating ancient human height based on bones, a creative introduction to statistical analysis. Partnered with Lemoore College, Riverdale is offering two sections this year, blending engagement with academic rigor.
A warm welcome to Merced High School, one of our newest partners! Alyse Lopez is leading two sections of Math Bridge and setting the tone for what’s to come. In Spring 2026, they will begin diving into the college content with assistance from Merced College.
At Taft Union High School, Oscar Nuno led students through a vibrant lesson on probability using real-world scenarios. This is the school’s second year in the program, and the energy was contagious. Students will soon begin college-level coursework with Taft College’s Marni Cahoon, a big step for a bright group.
At Dos Palos High School, Math Bridge instructor Gabriela Tovar is making a powerful impact in her classroom. In partnership with Merced College, she is helping students bridge the gap between high school and college-level statistics with clarity and care. During my visit, students were engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and clearly gaining confidence in their mathematical abilities. It’s exciting to see a new site embracing the program’s mission so fully from the start.
One of our newest sites, El Capitan High School, is off to a strong start with nearly 70 students enrolled in two Math Bridge sections. Under Carly Scheuerman’s leadership and in partnership with Merced College’s Kristi Rieg, this program is quickly becoming a cornerstone for college access on campus.
Our second cohort at Golden Valley High School is already hitting its stride, thanks to Ms. Nicole Austin, a dual-certified educator committed to supporting her students from high school foundations through college content. With support from Merced College, this site is well on its way to long-term success.
Rajneet Sihota is doing an outstanding job preparing students at Orosi High School for their next academic leap. In spring, Reedley College’s Dr. Mike Little-Crow will join the class several times a week, co-teaching and reinforcing the collaborative spirit of Math Bridge instruction.
At Buhach Colony High School, Mr. Justin Tanzillo is leading the way through both high school and college statistics. I had the chance to chat with students about their academic goals and left feeling hopeful for their future. The combination of academic ambition and personal growth is what this work is all about.
As we continue to support these amazing educators and students across the Central Valley, we’re excited for what’s ahead; more partnerships, more co-teaching, and most importantly, more stories of students reaching their goals.
To every teacher, administrator, college partner, and student I met along the way: thank you for your work, your passion, and your belief in what’s possible.
Are you an educator or school leader interested in transforming the math journey at your school or campus? Explore our website at https://college-bridge.org/ to learn more about the Math Bridge project, discover how it’s making an impact, and find out how you can become involved.
– Audra Burwell, Communication Coordinator