a.k.a. Smart
Cryptologic Learning Program – a.k.a (all kids are) Smart
In December 2002, the NCMF Board of Directors received a briefing from Bernard Farkas and two associates, Morrie Cove and Carol Schultz, of Crypt Associates, LLP, on a proposal to encourage math learning, computer skills, and the lure of cryptographic games to attract the attention of school children at the K-12 level (The Link, Winter 2002). With the enthusiastic support of Gen. Morrison, then President and Chairman of the Board of the Foundation, the Board was given a follow-up briefing at its Spring 2003 meeting and undertook to endorse the program and provide both corporate and private donations as seed money. This was the birth of “a[[ll] k[ids] a[re]SMART” and the NCMF relationship with the program. Morrie Cove became the program manager, a tireless advocate and promoter. In subsequent years, as the concept spread into schools in Maryland and Virginia, feedback and interest were gratifying to all concerned
The a.k.a. Smart (All Kids Are Smart) Program’s objective is to stimulate the interest of students in the study of mathematics at the elementary through high school levels. The program was launched in March 2003 as a joint venture between the National Cryptologic Museum Foundation (NCMF) and a.k.a. Smart Corporation (formerly known as CLP Company) of Herndon, Virginia. The basic idea is to make math learning an exciting and challenging experience through the use of internet-derived puzzles and games, which are calibrated to be in consonance with the educational level of the student and tailored to meet the learning objectives of the particular math course or program.
The response to a.k.a. Smart by students, teachers, parents and school officials has been highly favorable, and the program has been the subject of positive coverage in the local area press. To date well over 1,000 students have participated in the program and several area schools have integrated it into their math curricula. Financial support to the program has been provided by NCMF, the Raytheon Corporation, the Army Security Agency Association and many groups and individual donors.
For more detailed information about the program please see the article in the Spring 2006 edition of the Foundation’s publication, The LINK which is available for viewing or printing in Members Only.
