The UCLA Mathematics Department has a strong tradition of involvement in the entire spectrum of mathematical activity with programs ranging from K-12 mathematics to advanced current research. The department's involvement in mathematical activity at the pre-collegiate level was significantly shaped by Professor Emeritus Phil Curtis, who played a singular role in the establishment of most of the department’s current mathematics education programs.

Building on this tradition, on June 5, 2007, the department established the Philip C. Curtis Jr. Center for Mathematics and Teaching, whose purpose is to further high quality K-12 mathematics activity and mathematics education research. The Curtis Center is dedicated to developing and supporting quality mathematics programs that interface with the K-16 community, including outreach programs for K-12 students, continuing education programs for K-12 teachers and mathematics teacher preparation programs for UCLA undergraduates. Long term, the Curtis Center plans to conduct research that will provide new knowledge about the learning and teaching of mathematics at the pre-collegiate and undergraduate levels.

In the immediate future, the Curtis Center aims to strengthen and expand the Department's existing efforts to provide students access to high quality mathematics programs including:

• The Los Angeles Mathematics Circle for 6-12 students
• The Mathematics Teacher in Residence program
• The Curtis Center Intern Program for mathematics graduate students
• The Bruin MATHteach program for undergraduates interested in secondary mathematics teaching

In the future, the Curtis Center aims to produce research which provides new knowledge about the learning and teaching of mathematics at the pre-collegiate and undergraduate levels.