Story by Lilian Zhu
Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Calculus for a Cause
Contributor
The annual Calculus for a Cause fundraiser for math and computer science finals tutoring will take place virtually on Friday, Dec. 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Student volunteers will be offering free resources and tutoring but donations are encouraged, with all proceeds going to To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA), a nonprofit dedicated to providing mental health resources.
Unlike previous years, all resources and tutoring will no longer require a $20 fee and will be free. This is in compliance with the Free Schools Act after a South Pasadena resident raised the possibility of legal action against the school district. Calculus for a Cause coordinators have also had to change the format of the event to transition to a virtual platform. Online curriculum will be available on the Calculus For a Cause website and includes 50 to 75 questions per course.
“The most difficult part of moving [Calculus for a Cause] online has been making our entire event digital — the actual event, our review materials — and expanding on our existing digital infrastructure,” Calculus for a Cause Executive Vice President of Curriculum senior Frances Chiu said. “We’ve been trying to anticipate situations unique to an online event that may come up, but since it’s our first time with this new format, there are bound to be bumps. Of course, we hope that our preparation will minimize the number of disruptions.”
The partnering organization, TWLOHA, aims to help those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and/or suicide. Donations will go directly to those facing financial barriers in affording therapy and other counseling services.
“Even though the [Calculus for a Cause] event is going to be virtual this semester, we really hope we can still support our peers with their math finals while also raising money for a worthy cause,” Chiu said. “A core tenet of [Calculus for a Cause] is to give back to both our local community and the world as a whole. We hope we are still able to fulfill this vision despite the unprecedented circumstances.”
Students interested in the event can access additional information and corresponding Zoom links on the Calculus for a Cause website. Calculus for a Cause is also looking for prior AP math or computer science students who would like to help tutor. Those interested can contact Frances Chiu at fchiu@calcforacause.net.
