Expanding learnvia mathematics to improve gateway stem outcomes in broad-access institutions

The National Science Foundation awarded Learnvia, Inc. $1.778680 million on August 1, 2026, under the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program (CFDA 47.084) to expand the LearnVia mathematics instructional model across broad-access institutions.

LearnVia will scale its evidence-based learning collaborative to 45 two-year and broad-access institutions over three years, focusing on high-enrollment gateway mathematics courses. The collaborative integrates research-based courseware, faculty-centered instructional practices, and continuous improvement mechanisms. Participating institutions will receive direct support including access to instructional resources, implementation guidance, and tools for examining student learning. A subset of faculty will serve as instructor-researchers, engaging in professional learning and research activities to contribute to iterative improvement and cross-institutional knowledge exchange. Year 1 focuses on initial implementation and onboarding; Year 2 on expansion and iterative refinement; and Year 3 on full implementation and sustainability planning. The project aims to improve student outcomes in gateway mathematics, evaluate and refine a scalable evidence-based instructional model, and establish a sustained cross-institutional learning collaborative that creates continuous improvement cycles in teaching and learning outcomes.

Performance of work occurs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a period of performance from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029.

Abstract

The project addresses a critical national need by improving outcomes in gateway mathematics courses. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (stem) gateway courses determine students? Access to pathways leading to high-demand careers. Research has demonstrated that evidence-based instructional approaches, particularly those supported by courseware, can significantly improve learning outcomes. These approaches, however, have yet to achieve sustained impact at scale. The project aims to deliver sustained gains in student success across varied institutional contexts via the learnvia model. Learnvia is a nonprofit learning collaborative that integrates research-based courseware, faculty-centered instructional practices, and continuous improvement into a unified scalable model. The project aims to expand learnvia to 45 two-year and broad-access institutions over three years, with a focus on high-enrollment gateway mathematics courses. The goals of the project are to improve student outcomes; to evaluate and refine a scalable, evidence-based model for instructional improvement; and to establish a sustained, cross-institutional learning collaborative that creates a continuous cycle of improvement in both teaching and learning outcomes. Participating institutions will adopt learnvia, receiving direct support such as access to instructional resources, implementation guidance, and tools for examining student learning, to ensure effective and sustained implementation. A subset of faculty will serve as instructor-researchers, allowing them to become active contributors to iterative improvement and cross-institutional learning. These faculty will engage in professional learning as well as research activities. Year 1 of the project will focus on initial implementation and onboarding; year 2 will focus on expansion and iterative refinement; and year 3 will focus on full implementation and model validation. The project will establish a national network of educators and institutions working to improve gateway mathematics outcomes, and serve as a platform for sharing practices, testing innovations, and accelerating the spread of effective approaches. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.