Mathematics > Undergraduate > New Student Resources > SPARK and ALEKS

Summer Program Accelerating Readiness and Knowledge

The Summer Program Accelerating Readiness and Knowledge (SPARK) is an online summer program offered by the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences through the Department of Mathematics, in partnership with The Office of Intersession and Summer Programs and Student Affairs. ​SPARK is available to a limited number of students who are excited to launch into their academic work at Hopkins. 

Who is SPARK for?

The SPARK program serves incoming first-year students intending to take precalculus or calculus I in their first semester. Invitations to apply are sent from the Department of Mathematics to students who place into these courses and indicate their intent to register on the Placement Process intake survey.

Program Dates

  • Mathematics Placement Process deadline is June 15.
  • SPARK Online 2-week Course
    • Registration deadline: July 8, 2025
    • Course dates: July 28 – August 11, 2025 
  • SPARK-On In-Person Experience in Pre-Orientation
    • Registration deadline: July 8, 2025
    • Early Move-In Date: August 13, 2025
    • 3.5 day In-person experience: August 14 – August 16, 2025 

SPARK Online Course

SPARK provides two weeks of online synchronous and asynchronous classes, held Monday through Friday. In this 1-credit course, students will strengthen their mathematical foundation and gain essential academic skills that will empower them in various fields, from STEM to the humanities. Through interactive sessions, SPARK fosters: 

  • Academic Skills: Crit, problem-solving, and effective communication, leveraging the adaptive learning platform ALEKS.  
  • Academic Preparedness: SPARK-On offers workshops to expand on SPARK’s online sessions, focusing on essential skills like time management, note-taking, study strategies, metacognition, goal setting, and writing in math. These sessions equip students for success in rigorous college coursework. 
  • Preparation for College Coursework: Engaging students in college-level learning tailored to cultivate confidence, build study skills and collaborate with fellow learners.  
  • Students earn 1-credit using the adaptive learning platform ALEKS, to refresh and build their mathematical skills and ensure they take a strong first step into their fall precalculus or calculus course. SPARK is offered online in the two-weeks before Pre-Orientation at no-cost to students. Focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, SPARK prepares students for success in their first math course and beyond. ​Participants engage in a dynamic learning community with other incoming students embarking on their academic journey at Hopkins and near-peer mentors with experience succeeding in JHU math. Former participants have gained valuable knowledge and confidence in the supportive and collaborative environment in SPARK.​

What have SPARK participants said?

  • Structured sessions are paired with supportive mentors and practical content.
  • Sessions offered valuable insights and fostered engagement.
  • ALEKS modules effectively reinforces math skills.
  • All participants reported feeling more prepared for their upcoming courses and transition to college life.

Questions and Contact

  • Talk to your Academic Advisor​ and/or Success Coach about SPARK!
  • Reach out to [email protected] with questions regarding ALEKS, SPARK or the Math Placement Process.​
  • Contact the SPARK Instructors:​

ALEKS

ALEKS is a research-based, adaptive online learning program that offers course products for Math, Chemistry, and more. ALEKS is a proven platform backed by over 20 years of research and analytics. ALEKS helps students and faculty understand individual student’s knowledge and learning progress and provides tailored support for every student to achieve mastery.

Who is ALEKS for?

All incoming students should complete the Math Placement Process by June 15, 2025. The Math Placement Intake Survey will direct students to a placement assessment in Canvas (recommendations for Calc II or above) or a placement assessment in ALEKS (recommendations for Pre-Calc, Calc I or Calc II).

For students directed to placement in ALEKS, the course recommendation will appear in ALEKS. The program will also produce a set of learning modules tailored to each individual student. Students should work through these modules before the start of Fall classes. See the information on SPARK (above) to find out how to earn 1-credit while working through these learning modules.

Please note: If a student intends to take calc II or a higher math course, they should take the placement assessment in Canvas. ALEKS does not provide resources and support for content beyond calculus I.

Transfer students or sophomores, juniors and seniors returning to math, may request access to placement and learning modules in ALEKS. Please email [email protected].