Glendale Community College (GCC) was recently awarded $2,999,073 from the United States Department of Education to launch a Math E.M.P.O.W.E.R.S. (Mathematics Emporium Model with Personalized, On-Demand Workforce Education and Responsive Support) initiative over the course of five years. The grant will provide the GCC Math Department with the resources needed to implement the Mathematics Emporium Model, an innovative instructional method that replaces traditional lecture-based classrooms with interactive learning software, self-paced modules, flexible scheduling, and on-demand personalized assistance.
The funds will be used to build institutional capacity by implementing the Emporium-style model, including renovations for dedicated space, curricular materials, and faculty development. They will also be used to enhance the curriculum by developing foundational AI literacy skills to align with workforce needs.
“Mathematics is foundational to academic success and opens doors to a wide range of educational and career opportunities. Through Math E.M.P.O.W.E.R.S., we are rethinking how we teach and support students in gateway mathematics courses. By integrating individualized, mastery-based learning with academic coaching, we aim to remove barriers to success while helping students develop the confidence and skills necessary to achieve their educational goals.”Stated Carly Zufelt, Academic Dean at GCC.
GCC’s Math E.M.P.O.W.E.R.S. program consists of five integrated activities: implementation of the AI-enhanced Emporium instructional model; implementation of an AI-supported learning and tutoring ecosystem; student success coaching and engagement; faculty development and institutional capacity building; and research, evaluation and dissemination.
Over the five-year project period, GCC will establish five new math learning environments, including one institutionally funded pilot classroom and four grant-supported classrooms, creating sustainable infrastructure for long-term instructional transformation. The project implementation will be led by the Math Department Chair, Krysten Pampel, and Math Faculty members Patrick Kimani and Nathan Kurtz.
The United States Department of Education funding was awarded through the Strengthening Institutions Program, which provides federal grants to eligible, underresourced colleges and universities to improve academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability. The intention of the Higher Education Act is to help eligible institutions to become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students.
“We are grateful to receive these funds and launch this important program. Math is a critical skill, and one that many students struggle with. The Mathematics Emporium Model is designed to provide students with targeted, self-paced mastery of math concepts. Academic Dean Carly Zufelt and the Math Department faculty did an exemplary job developing and submitting the program proposal to the Department of Education,” stated Tiffany Hernandez, President of Glendale Community College.
Glendale Community College provides a Bachelor of Arts degree, 41 associate degrees, 61 certificate programs, and a range of non-degree offerings, including community education classes, all available to students in traditional, online and hybrid formats. Founded in 1965 to serve the northwestern part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, the college is part of the Maricopa County Community Colleges District, has two campuses and enrolls approximately 26,000 students annually, and employs approximately 1,000 resident faculty, staff, and administrators with an operational budget of $96 million.