History of MEGSSS
(Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary School Students)

Project MEGSSS was incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization in 1980, the offshoot of a Saint Louis-based, government-funded educational research project. Based on the Elements of Mathematics, a curriculum designed to enrich and expand the mathematical abilities of middle school students, this unique core program broadens exposure to the world of mathematics and focuses on reinforcing elementary and middle school math concepts and logic in preparation for high-level mathematics in secondary school and college.

Over the past 40 years, we have had over 3,500 students participate in the Project MEGSSS program. These students point to their MEGSSS experience as a stepping stone to future careers in STEM. This program attracts students from varying demographics; including, 40% female and families of different socioeconomic spheres and ethnicities. We work with students from all school classifications — public, private, religious, and home-schooled. Despite these differences, MEGSSS gives these mathematically talented students an opportunity to learn high-level mathematics while meeting other students that think like themselves and participate in a challenging environment where being really smart is celebrated and supported. A recent survey of our alumni found that 70% of respondents graduated from college with a STEM degree.

Even though Project MEGSSS has been a haven for mathematically talented students in the St. Louis area for over 40 years, we are now expanding our scope regionally, nationally, and internationally, with exciting new online learning platforms.

MEGSSS will continue to offer highly qualified faculty, working with the superior curriculum, to academically challenge students beyond traditional school offerings.  Building on our historic past, we added a new online offering to complement our traditional classroom programs.

Our Mission

To discover, attract, inspire, and develop the talents of students in late elementary, middle school, and early High School with an interest in Mathematics to prepare them for STEAM courses, programs, and opportunities in their future.