Every child can succeed. Every parent has the power to help.
The You Make Math Possible project is all about changing how parents and caregivers think about math so kids can thrive. A lot of families unknowingly pass on negative attitudes about math—things like “I’m not a math person” or “I’m just not good at math.” These ideas can make kids doubt themselves and hold them back. The project wants to reshape these perceptions by showing families that math skills can be learned with effort, encouragement and a positive mindset.
Here’s how we’re tackling it: First, we’re doing research to see what beliefs and behaviors are common. Then, we’re crafting powerful messages that inspire caregivers to believe in math success and take a more active role in their kids’ learning. We test these messages, tweak them, and then scale them to share with more communities.
The ultimate goal? Parents and caregivers feel confident supporting their kids in learning challenging high school math concepts, getting more involved in math-related activities, and believing that math can lead to real opportunities. This shift isn’t just about individual kids; it’s about creating fairer chances for everyone.
The team leading this effort brings together experts from FHI 360’s education and social marketing and communications departments. We’re not doing this alone, though. An advisory board full of community partners is helping ensure the project speaks to real families’ needs. These partners also provide guidance with recruitment and feedback, keeping everything grounded and locally relevant.
To keep the momentum going, the final phase will focus on turning the best ideas into helpful tools—like videos, texts, and guides—that schools and groups can use to keep spreading positive math vibes for years to come. By building a strong math foundation, students are not just better prepared for academic success but also positioned for rewarding careers in STEM fields. This connection between solid math skills and economic opportunities underscores the importance of our efforts. With this, FHI 360 aims to help families and communities build the foundation for lifelong math success.
