Founded by Andrew Hill High School math teacher Jose Valdés in 1988, the Jose Valdés Summer Math Institute was originally started to improve the mathematical skills of under-represented minority students feeding into Andrew Hill High School. The program was a success and quickly grew in size and scope to eventually include students from throughout the East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD) as well as its feeder districts. After years of success with middle school students, a few high school enrichment classes were added to provide for students wanting to expand their knowledge and skills in math. At its peak, the Valdés Summer Math Institute offered courses covering standards from 3rd grade math all the way through pre-calculus and served as many as 1500 students each summer on seven college campuses throughout Santa Clara County.