MIND Research Institute

Having experience with nonprofit programs and services for 30 years, I can say that ST Math is the most impactful math education program I have seen. Watching students in the classroom have 'aha' moments is an amazing feeling. ST Math engages students, makes math fun, and promotes problem solving and critical thinking. With ST Math, it's okay if students make mistakes and struggle productively, that's what true learning is all about --building perseverance, gaining confidence, and finding more than one solution to solve a problem. And, with the research/evaluation to show the impact, we know it's helping our students gain the math foundations needed to achieve future academic success.

Our students are highly motivated when it comes to ST Math, created by the MIND Research Institute. As a teacher, there are multiple things I love about ST Math. 1) Students can work at their own pace. 2) Students can track their own progress. 3) There is no reading involved so it is accessible for students who cannot read as well as English Language Learners.

MIND is a high impact non-profit that has a massive multiplier effect on its charitable gifts (5:1). Its programs have proven improvement on student math outcomes far beyond other for-profit programs available. These traits make MIND a strong choice for charitable support in the education sector.

We have loved utilizing ST Math within our district. Our campuses have built a Jiji culture where students are engaged and celebrated for their accomplishments. ST Math has helped our students build conceptual understanding of different math content. Through the use of HQIM and ST Math, we have seen growth across the district in our math scores. My favorite part is that ST Math is accessible to ALL students since there are no language barriers. Our ST Math representative has gone out of their way to support our district with whatever is needed. We appreciate our partnership with ST Math and their support.

I have been working with MIND Research Institute since September 2022 and my experience has been nothing but amazing. Our Education Success Manager, Dawn, has continually gone above and beyond to support our goals of usage in over 12 after school sites. MIND Research provides endless learning opportunities for both adults and children, along with motivational incentives and celebrations. We have been able to work closely together on finding the perfect fit for how this program can work in our spaces and have seen improved engagement and usage amongst the kids we serve. I love how active the team at MIND is with training opportunities and collaboration. I am looking forward to continuing to build our partnership.

I'm continually impressed by the responsiveness of the Educational Support Team for ST Math. Our implementation success plan looks different at each elementary site, and the team does not hesitate to customize the training to meet the needs of our teachers. I appreciate the individualized service and support.

MIND Research Institute has been extremely helpful and supportive for our Texas school. They provide specific trainings for teachers that directly support us inside the classrooms. I will continue to reach out for support from MIND Research Institute.

We started working with MIND Research in 2016 when we started piloting ST Math in Billings Public Schools. The support we get from MIND Research is incredible, but more importantly, our elementary students are growing in their conceptual math skills using the program. Students love JiJi and they report that JiJi helps them learn to solve hard math problems! MIND Research provides weekly progress reports, check-in times with individual schools, ongoing professional development, and technical assistance as needed. In addition, they recognize our outstanding teachers and schools through monthly prizes, JiJi visits, and family math nights. MIND Research is an integral partner with our school district and our students benefit greatly!

The MIND Research Institute has been an excellent partner and resource for our schools. The unique and research-based approach of ST Math is helping our students build a strong foundation in numeracy and giving our classroom educators additional tools and resources to help them not only meet but exceed their mastery of the standards. I highly recommend them to you as an innovative, positive, and creative resource for schools and districts all across the country!

I can't say enough about ST Math and the impact it has had on our students. It has improved their perception of mathematics, sharpened their ability to persevere, and truly made math more accessible, especially for our visual learners.

In addition, my own child uses ST Math and has already mastered the expected objectives for the entire year, before the first quarter ended. I'm excited to see how much he'll grow by the end of this year.

ST Math is an amazing resource for our teachers and students.

MIND Research Institute has been a great support in helping us to improve our instruction in math. They are client focused and are always available for support, questions, brainstorming, etc. We appreciate their partnership!

I've been using ST Math with my students for 3 years now and I love it! I appreciate how it develops my students' conceptual understanding of math and it keeps them engaged because it's game-like. My kids are always asking for more time with Jiji!

"ST Math is very effective at engaging students in sense-making, problem solving and developing a solid conceptual understanding of mathematics, all in the absence (mostly) of written words. The program presents visual clues--models and representations, usually disguised as games--to make sense of the mathematical context. Students' access and success with this program does not hinge upon English / language proficiency, but rather, on their ability to observe, notice, wonder, predict and connect what is happening on the screen. For the past 9+ years, I have watched students enjoy big mathematical 'aha's' while using ST Math. It is a fantastic supplement to our core curriculum, and students can use it at home or at school. If students are going to use computers /screens in their math journey, this is a fabulous program to consider."- Robin Lovell of San Mateo-Foster City school district.

The professional development and programming offered by MIND has greatly improved student engagement and positive math identity and the teacher's ability to support student growth.

When teaching kindergarten for a school with majority English learners and we utilized ST Math. I loved how students who couldn’t read any language fluently were able to access math curriculum with grade level standards and beautiful graphics. It’s one of the few programs that actually embraces equity by giving students activities at their own pace. This not only ensured that my struggling students got support, but my advanced students weren’t stifled by constant review and got to move on to higher level learning that fit their needs.

Excellent Program. Equip students with conceptual understanding through visual models. Support teachers in shifting from the traditional teaching model to an inquiry-based model.

I’ve seen an impact on student learning. Students are engaged and having fun learning!

The three representatives of the MIND Research Institute visited our school at the beginning of the school day. One dressed up in the Jiji penguin costume and greeted our students on the playground. Our appointment with Jiji was for one hour, most of which was before school started. As a result, many of our students did not get to meet him. Even though the company had another appointment at a different school scheduled that morning, Jiji visited all of our classrooms, which motivated students to ask their teachers, if they could spend more time on the ST Math platform every week. Well done! Thank you!

MIND has been amazing in our school! All kids, from K-6th grade, love the conceptual learning they are getting, as is evident by this being a choice daily activity for them.

MIND Research Institute has developed math tools that utilize game-centered technology to support learning and are effective for a wide range of students. The program has also been shown to help keep kids at grade level. The organization's interest in improving outcomes underscores the team's dedication to advancing its technology for the continued benefit of students.

As a former principal and elementary school math teacher, I have experienced firsthand the positive impact MIND Research Institute has had on my community. Their ST Math program is a complete game-changer because it helped my students look at math in a fundamentally new way. It was incredible to see the joy on their faces after everything clicked and how much confidence they gained after figuring out how to solve a tough problem all by themselves. Keep making math more equitable and accessible!

There are few companies more dedicated to improving educational outcomes than MIND. I have had the pleasure of working with MIND for a number of years and with leadership members for much longer, they continually demonstrate what a force for good in education they truly are.

MIND Research Institute does amazing work to make math understandable and FUN!

I have been fortunate enough to participate in several Math Fairs, family math nights & other community events that MIND has held over the years. The way that they are able to bring math out into the real world & make it fun & exciting for students is amazing. It was very rewarding to see both the kids and their parents be able to interact & bond together over math.

I interned for MIND Research the summer of 2019 and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. All the employees were extremely passionate and welcoming. The project I got to work on was very involved, and I got a lot of great feedback as well as freedom to design my project’s format.

MIND has been amazing at being able to reach kids with an unconventional approach to learning. I have first hand seen kids have breakthrough moments using ST Math. MIND is one of the few non profits that supports the underserved children and schools that need the most help!

I cant say enough about the MIND Research Institute! Continual support & resources! It has become a GO TO spot for my colleagues and I.

I have had the opportunity to partner with this nonprofit to help spread the word about their work. They have been wonderful to work with and I enjoy amplifying their important mission and resources for educators.

MIND Research Institute and their STMath program has saved us this school year. Not only has it provided the teachers with an excellent resource in schools but has also helped our struggling at-home learners due to COVID. We've seen some great gains in their math knowledge and comprehension and the kids love to explore with Gigi!
As someone that consults with schools around the country, I highly recommend their research-based platform for helping all students with math.

I have gotten to work first hand with the amazing people at MIND and loved every second. They are so passionate about the mission at MIND and you can see that in everything they do. I can’t wait to possibly work with this organization again!

I can't say enough about MIND and the important work that it does. During the COVID outbreak, they made their flagship program completely free for families and schools, they're constantly breaking barriers to create free learning materials for students, and I truly believe that they live their core mission statement, which is to mathematically equip students to solve the world's greatest problems.

It is rare that an organization is full of members that truly care, but this really is the case. I salute MIND and celebrate them! Thank you!

My sister-in-law works for MIND and introduced my son to JiJi the penguin. He LOVES JiJi and the ST Math program. When the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S. and closed down schools, including my son's, in March, I was so impressed with MIND's decision to make ST Math free. We signed up for a subscription and intend to pay for one next year when the free access for homeschoolers ends. ST Math is just the right kind of challenging as well as engaging. I'm thankful that we were able to use the program while we navigated distance learning.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at MIND Research Institute’s Math Fair a few years ago, and it was very inspiring to see children of all ages and their families engage with math problems. Math is found in everything we do, and it can truly be fun! MIND does great work in making sure that we all realize that through ST Math and their educational events. Plus, I had the privilege of being JiJi for the day and had a blast sporting my dance moves and taking lots pictures with the kids (and their parents)! Now, my nephew who’s in Kindergarten is using ST Math and I’m seeing first-hand how engaged he is with his homework. With JiJi’s support, he’s learning math even though he doesn’t realize it!

I continue to be impressed by the level of dedication and talent at this organization. They understand how the mind works and how students learn best! The education world needs to follow their model of teaching students how to love the challenge and think deeply. And everyone loves Jiji!

I've volunteered at a few of MIND's community events, and it's a joy to share their really fun and engaging programming with children at these fairs. The team at MIND is super friendly and easy to work with, and obviously have a passion for math education and helping kids.

My experience working with MIND has been such a dream. I've been lucky enough to document their wonderful work over the last few years and I have nothing but good to say about them. Each and every person that I've met, worked with, and interviewed has been awesome and truly invested in the non-profit. I've never met such an outstanding group of people, so much kindness and inclusion throughout. They all believe in the mission and I've seen first hand how they touch the lives of children and families.

I've volunteered for a variety of events organized by MIND Research Institute, all with very clear and focused goals that benefited students, as well as the community as a whole. All my experiences with this non-profit organization had been very rewarding and fun! You could truly tell that the employees believed in what they do, and that they really cared about the students. I feel really blessed to be involved with this organization. If asked, I would not hesitate to be an eager MIND volunteer again.

I had the opportunity to volunteer for math nights and math fairs with MIND and it sure was a blast. I really enjoyed all the games that we played in the training that I received end it was really fulfilling watching kids and their families learn concepts together through fun and play. I have always been impressed with their products and events and would love to help out again.

I was a long time team member at mind and stuck around for many reasons. 1. I believe in our mission and our founder. 2. I was mentored by so many in the leadership team and was exposed to professional settings that helped me grow out of my comfort zone. 3. I was blessed to have worked closely with talented folks who all cared about our students as much as I did.

I left proud of being a part of MIND who took the challenge of COVID-19 and provided an education solution to hundreds of thousands of families.

John Deere has been investing in ST Math as part of our global STEM program since 2014 based on a challenge posed by the Business Roundtable. Since that time, our funding has helped more than 19,000 students in Iowa & Illinois. We see supporting the “M” in STEM as critical for young students as it is one of the key hurdles many students face in their education pathway supporting a STEM career.

The on-going feedback we have received from educators on ST Math has been very positive. This includes the significant improvement in mathematics proficiency and problem-solving skills, high student engagement leveraging student’s love of video games, strong data analytics, and excellent field support and professional development provided by MIND Research. Another indicator of the program’s success for us has been schools contacting us to request additional funding to further expand the program.

Pat Barnes
John Deere Global Program Director, STEM & Youth Education

I am a former employee of MIND Research Institute, a volunteer and a parent of an ST Math student. I love that the software was created by neuroscientists and maintains a hyper-focus on providing evidence-based education technology to teachers and students. Over the years, the nonprofit has expanded to include more community-based programs that aspire to change the way children and adults feel & think about math. It's a tall order, but there couldn’t be a more brainy, thoughtful, and creative group to undertake such a challenging endeavor. Seeing first-hand how much kids love math when they play with JiJi (the cute little penguin in ST Math) you get the sense that the folks at MIND Research Institute are already well on their way to inspiring a new generation to embrace and excel in mathematical thinking.

My nieces and nephews use ST Math and they love it. They are excited to do math and love JiJi. Thank you for making math fun!

My son uses ST Math, which was created by MIND Research Institute, in his elementary school. My first impression is that the program was really unusual, and I didn't quite "get it" because I didn't see any instructions. But as I watched him solve the puzzles, it dawned on me that he was really understanding the math in a deeper way. The instructions were never necessary. I'm grateful to MIND for providing a program that demystifies math, and that moves it beyond flashcards and worksheets.

MIND Research Institute is an incredible organization that believes in providing students with the proper tools to solve even the most challenging of problems. I volunteered at the Math Fair and got to witness firsthand exactly how MIND provides and implements those learning tools. The Math Fair had a multitude of stations and zones that allowed participants to view math in a way that was outside of the box! From visual games to hands-on exhibits, participants were able to immerse themselves in the math. Seeing how excited attendees were to play the games and learn about math was so contagious! It was a fantastic volunteer opportunity, and I am so glad that I was able to be a part of it.

MIND Research Institute has taken brain research and has made learning math engaging and fun for all students. Our school district is currently in its third year of our partnership with the MIND Research Institute to bring ST Math to our school district. We have been thrilled with ST Math. The folks at the MIND Research Institute are very responsive and provide exceptional support to our school leaders and teachers. The MIND Research Institute has been a true thought partner as we work towards providing the best education possible to ALL of our students. Thanks to ST Math and JiJi, our students are falling in love with math.

The MIND Research Institute is a student-centered, forward-thinking, and innovative nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming math education.

MIND research Institute has changed my children's lives in so many ways. I have seen the success in the use of the program with ALL students. I saw its success in how it helped a students with autism. The student would not talk and was below grade level in all areas. In second grade he began using the program and he quickly went from first grade level to to proficient in Math. We were able to see his amazing mathematic abilities through the use of technology. He made 1 1/2 years growth in 6 months. He received a medal for reaching the proficient level on the state test and his mom cried. The student went on to Intermediate school and high school and was placed in honors general educations classes. Had it not been for MIND RESEARCH Institute and a little penguin called JIJI we might not have discovered his Mathematical giftedness. Thank you MIND for all your do to help our students learn and grow.

MIND Research Institute has been an invaluable thought partner for STEMconnector as we work to expand our insights and reach to build a more sustainable and diverse STEM workforce. They have been a leader in driving our work to build the business case for investments in K-8 STEM, as well as contributing their expertise to our signature research on the STEM talent ecosystem. We were also honored to share Karin Wu's story of her own personal commitment to STEM education through our Million Women Mentors Leaders to Learn From series. It is of tremendous value to have thoughtful leaders who can help inform your work and further drive impact through shared mission and approach, and MIND is just such a partner. We look forward to continuing our long and productive relationship with MIND.

As someone who has always struggled with math, I was thrilled when my nieces and nephews started to use ST Math--and LIKE math. The stigmas that math is too hard or they can't are nowhere to be seen with JiJi and it makes me happy. I only wish that ST Math was around when I was a kiddo, because I grew up being told memorization was the only way to do math. They do a lot of good across the country (my niece's school is a donor funded school). For their work to help kids with STEM, who may not have otherwise gotten help, is so appreciated.

MIND research has an innovative product with an evidence base behind it. Finding education technology offerings that truly move the needle for students is not commonplace, and I attribute their success, reach, and impact to the team behind the work. NewSchools Venture Fund has made multiple investments in their work, because they continue to show strong values alignment with our organization, and we believe they can continue to positively impact K12.

I wish my school had used ST Math back when I was a student. My nephew has been using the program and loves JiJi! He feels like he's playing a game, but ST Math teaches him math skills that can't be taught in a traditional textbook. He now approaches challenges outside of ST Math with a problem-solving mindset. We've also been playing MathMINDs Games: South of the Sahara with our niece and nephew. They love getting story time and game night all at the same time with the storybook board games. Our whole family is a fan of the efforts MIND Research Institute makes to instill a love for learning and math in students of every age!

We have had this program in our school district for 3 years now. Our K-5 teachers and students really like the program. They use it to differentiate Tier 1 instruction and also to provide additional practice in certain concepts and skills for students who need them. Students are excited to play the games and see their progress. It makes math more accessible to students by taking away the language barrier. It is also fun to do the puzzles. They look forward to having JiJi time!

I am a Math Coach at a K-12 school. We have been working with ST Math for four years and the students have an opportunity to use conceptual thinking to see how to think about mathematical concepts visually. Jiji gives our students clues as they work to figure out what they need to do to get Jiji across the screen. When something they try doesn't work, Jiji gets blocked and gives them a visual to see why it didn't work. Then, students must persevere and try something new, based on the visuals Jiji has presented on the screen. Students are encouraged to use what they know and what they see to determine what they need to do mathematically to help Jiji get to the other side of the screen. ST Math also offers teachers an opportunity to work with students individually to meet them where they are and help them learn what they don't understand.
The support staff from ST Math has been very helpful with working with the teachers and staff to help us get the most out of the experiences our students have using the program. The website offers lots of opportunities for teachers to get training with videos and webinars. Over the years, with the support offered by staff and online resources, we have helped us help our students continue to grow in their understanding of math by showing students math is something you can see and understand if you are shown what it looks like!

Our school division has used ST Math for several years now. We started off with just a few of our schools and this year...thanks to matching donor funds, we have ALL of our elementary schools on ST Math K-5!!! It is amazing! Watching students grow in their understanding of mathematics and being able to use it as such a valuable instructional tool has been very rewarding. ST Math is like no other program that supports meaningful mathematics instruction. The support we get, as a school division, by Mind Research staff far exceeds what other programs offer or even strive to achieve. We have not run into an issue that they have not been able to help us solve quickly. MIND Research Institute has done amazing research and is always improving on an amazing product that our school division uses on a daily basis! Our kiddos LOVE Jiji.

MIND Research is a great organization, focused on supporting students develop critical thinking skills by solving math problems in a fun engaging web based game format. The visual format can provide additional support for students learning a second language or students with special needs. The staff provides high quality follow up resources to all ST Math schools and offers excellent teacher professional development to support common core mathematical practices with ST Math in their daily instruction. Thank you for all you do, MIND!

Mind Research has done an amazing job of truly using what we know about how students learn math and successfully "gamified it" through their ST Math tool. I have never seen a digital based math tool that focuses on the spatial/temporal connections to mathematics. The research supports the need for perseverance and analyzing what doesn't work to then move their learning forward. Students beg to engage in ST Math and the research implemented within this program is top-notch. Thankful that in our district we have been able to implement this in 17 of our schools.

ST Math not only provides a highly engaging and educationally rewarding experience for students in the area of math, but their overall service and support is unparalleled. If you don't have ST Math in your school, I would highly recommend you make it a top priority.

I am a school principal. At the elementary level we are dealing with stereotypes (male vs. female in math) and often a general dislike of mathematics.

That all changes with ST Math. Children have a different experience- and they can conceptualize complex mathematics through the simple graphics and wonderful displays. I appreciate how the graphical designs capture the concept and explain the true mathematical events in child friendly ways. Everything from one-to-one correspondence to algebraic thinking. It makes math come alive and brings us engaged and excited learners.

MIND Research Institute is a great grass roots story turned national. Matthew found an amazing way to teach math in a special way to students who may not have absorbed as well using traditional methods. The entire team continues to push for advanced teaching methods through art and they continue to spread their message across the country. It's also been a great organization to volunteer with because I know it makes a difference; I can see and hear the children it affects and even my own nieces and nephews have benefited from the program. I look forward to continuing my support of MIND through the many avenues of teaching it pursues!

Impactful philanthropy transforming the lives of children through stem education.

MIND Research Institute is executing against a tremendous mission to make sure ALL students are mathematically equipped to solve the world's most challenging problems. Its talented staff are committed to core values around problem-solving, learning and people. As a non-profit, it takes stewardship very serious in the way it operates against its mission. As it reaches new levels of growth, it continues to adapt to new ways of serving its clients to continue to provide the most effective math solution in K-12. As a donor, I can't think of a way for my financial support to have a greater impact than making sure students are mathematically equipped. Having recently participated in an donor advisory forum, I am highly impressed with the leadership talent and innovation within this organization. Expecting amazing impacts ahead.

I am a current staff member and donor to MIND. I have to say there has definitely been changes here, and we all need time to adapt to these changes. I am a personal fan of co-founder Matthew Peterson and it was tough for me to see him step down as CEO, to be completely honest I was ready to jump ship, until I stepped back and looked at the business side of it. It totally made sense, we hired great businessmen that will keep us focused on our business path to success, while Matthew continues fulfilling our mission with his genius and passion. I can say I am re-engaged and have been given the right tools to succeed at MIND. After some tough patches on the road, I am excited to see where MIND is going.

Incompetent leadership that ran the organization into the ground. Consistently lied to staff about stability of the organization only to find out with no warning that they were laying off 20+ people only to now see they are hiring for 10 positions. An organization so unscrupulous they tried to pay off former employees to remove poor reviews on Glassdoor. If I am able to save even 1 person from making the mistake I did by believing their lies about stability and how great a place they are to work than it is worth it. Please, protect yourself, don't believe them. They don't care about their employees as evidenced by trying to hush the truth to lure more unsuspecting people into the web.

Mind Research Institute is a trusted Non-Profit. Personally, at times I feel that when I donate/sponsor to a cause or organization, that I am not confident that all the funds will go to change the lives of our youth. However, with "Mind," I am confident that all proceeds will go to change all lives. Their programs are amazing and beneficial to all students in the most critical learning years. At every opportunity, I ask any child in Santa Ana and Anaheim if they know JiJi, you can see their eyes light up!!! This is a very special moment to see that children are EXCITED to learn!! Thank you Mind for making learning fun again!!

Every child should have the opportunity to help JiJi get home and learn math through the ST Math program. Most students aren't aware how much they are learning because it is such a fund tool to use. I have had the pleasure of being a volunteer and partner to the MIND Research Institute for eight years and it is phenomenal to see the impact that ST Math is having on underserved, disadvantaged students' throughout the nation.

This organization does so much for the local community and now the USA.

Math is such an important part of our educational system.

Despite the fact that MIND presents itself as a research institute it is highly ineffective and incompetent in conducting hard research. The institute has devoted its efforts mainly to implementing game-based math curriculum known as ST-math. MIND advertises that their program has been helpful in in gaining better scores in standardized tests. However, ironically and oddly MIND has not produced a solid scientific evidence for effectiveness of ST-math, in particularly, the very element that has made their approach successful is unknown. The question remains whether ST-math is a hack of standardized tests or it is really a useful approach to math education. That said, I think they have integrated some novel elements into their approach which may or may not have profound effect in understanding mathematical concepts. However, ironically, after 17 years they have not put forward a solid evidence. I understand that for an institute which has heavily invested on one idea is too much to scrutinize its own fundamental principles that runs their function. It is as if you ask one of this cognitive training companies such as Lumosity.com run a well-conducted controlled study on effectiveness of their approach!

Having that said, there has been an intention to keep an incompetent research team as decoration for marketing purposes in place. Unfortunately the research wing of the institute is commissioned to folks with background in working memory training- a dead end research field with no solid theoretical background- with no connection to core concept of ST-math.

The MIND Research Institute is an amazingly impactful education non-profit. I know that every donation I make--and I make them regulary--is going to improve the lives of the students and teachers they support. There is simply nothing out there that has as quantifiable a track record in truly making a difference. Improving education and providing opportunties for kids that never before existed is one of the most meaningful ways that I know of to ensure a better future for all!

Despite the fact that this organization is full of hard working people with a great math program for kids, it is corrupted by a toxic culture of fear and micromanaging control by the new leadership. Once Ted Smith CEO/Chairman of the Board stepped down there was no longer strong leadership and they lost some of their best people. In 2014 their top development and sales reps were fired without cause and as a result 8 people left the company, leaving a bare bones struggling development department and a short list of unqualified, unseasoned sales people in the West specifically. Nepotism, unfair business practices and retaliation are the norm here unfortunately. You will see this company lose ground in the near future.