A Global STEM Institute with Local Impact.

Explore. Solve.
Lead.

Building problem-solvers through math labs, competitions, coding, and Active Learning — taught by experienced professors, from India to St. Louis.

5,000+ Students Impacted
300+ Teachers Trained
15+ Years Experience
6 Institutions Served
50+ Workshops & Competitions
Instructor Background
Presented At / Featured At These Conferences

* Institution names are listed for background only; they do not indicate sponsorship or partnership.

For schools, libraries, HOAs, and community groups

Community STEM Events & Math Bowls

We regularly design and run math and STEM events for local communities—family evenings at libraries, neighborhood competitions, and hands-on labs where students work side by side with their peers, parents, and teachers. These are not shows or assemblies; they are working sessions where participants solve problems, talk through their reasoning, and experience "active learning" together.

Each event is built around a clear mathematical or STEM idea—middle school math bowls, ACT and AP Calculus problem labs, robotics and ABACUS stations, or parent sessions on supporting children in We bring structured activities, ready-to-run materials, and professor-led facilitation, while your organization provides the space and the families. Photos below are from recent events in local libraries and community spaces.

For Students

Math bowls, problem-solving labs, exploratory STEM stations.

For Parents

Sessions like "Indian Roots, US Classrooms" and note-taking & study-skills workshops.

For Teachers

Collaborative planning time, AI-supported lesson design, and classroom-ready activities.

Library Math Bowl
Mar 15, 2025 • Grades K-8
Indian Roots, US Classrooms
Feb 12, 2025 • Parents
STEM Expo 2025
Apr 24, 2025 • All Ages
Upcoming: Math & Art
Jul 10, 2025 • Grades K-12
Long-Term Student Development

1-on-1 Academic Coaching

In-home, 1-on-1 mentoring for motivated students in grades 3–12.

For many families, our coaching becomes a years-long apprenticeship rather than a short-term fix. We take on only a small number of students so we can work closely with each one—guiding them not just through coursework, but through the habits, structure, and intellectual maturity that strong STEM preparation requires.

Our coaching is fully personalized and, whenever possible, conducted in-person and in-home for the deepest impact. Students work 1-on-1 with Prof. Vinay Kodipelly, a university mathematics educator, rather than rotating instructors or college students. This brings university-level clarity, structure, and long-term academic strategy into the home environment.

Under this model, students gradually develop the tools they need for advanced coursework, AP readiness, competition problem-solving, and long-term academic confidence. As they mature, many begin building portfolios, independent study habits, and early exposure to fields such as data science and computer graphics—guidance that often continues through high school graduation.

For K–8 learners, this work is led by Sharanya Narra, K–8 Lead Instructor, whose experience spans early mathematics, enrichment pathways, ABACUS training, and foundational problem-solving habits. For high school students, Prof. Vinay Kanth Rao Kodipelly provides direct coaching rooted in his university teaching, curriculum development, and background as a reviewer and evaluator for several mathematics education organizations, as well as his experience supervising math competitions and advanced problem-solving programs.

Because this level of mentorship requires depth, continuity, and trust, we intentionally keep our coaching selective and work with only a small number of students each year. Most families stay with us for several years, often through graduation, as the relationship naturally evolves into an academic apprenticeship.

Students typically progress through a coherent pathway—strong K–8 foundations, algebra readiness, advanced high school coursework, and, for some, competition preparation and portfolio development. Skills are intentionally revisited and compounded over time, allowing students to move from procedural confidence to independent mathematical thinking.

Our goal is not short-term acceleration, but helping students develop habits that support advanced coursework.

The monthly fee for this program begins at $850.

Our Story

About Active Learning Institute

Now based in Saint Louis, Missouri, the Active Learning Institute LLC is the U.S. chapter of an initiative that first began in Warangal, India in 2018, founded by Prof. Vinay Kanth Rao Kodipelly and Prof. Sharanya Narra with early support from the Center for Science and Mathematics Education at the University of Southern Mississippi. What started as a grassroots, community-based math enrichment effort has steadily evolved into a multi-layered platform for STEM learning, academic coaching, and educator development.

Instructional decisions are guided by a problem-first approach, structured reasoning, and deliberate opportunities for students to explain, revise, and consolidate their thinking. Technology and AI tools are used selectively—to reduce cognitive overhead and instructional friction—while preserving the human, discussion-driven core of learning. Institute faculty maintain active engagement with national and international mathematics education communities through conference presentations, editorial service, and curriculum development.

"I've witnessed the remarkable impact of Vinay's work... His dedication to hands-on, student-centered math education transforms classrooms... Students not only master essential concepts, but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I strongly endorse the Active Learning Institute for its unwavering commitment to elevating math education..."

— Dr. Sherry Herron
Director (Emeritus), CSME, Univ. of Southern Mississippi

Prof. Sharanya Narra brought to the institute her deep experience in K–8 mathematics, ABACUS, and early numeracy. Her background working closely with children in both India and the U.S.—including volunteer after-school instruction across Parkway and Rockwood schools—helped shape the institute's philosophy for younger learners: precision, patience, and joyful exploration.

As the initiative expanded, Prof. Vinay Kanth Rao Kodipelly broadened its academic scope with his university-level expertise in mathematics, statistics, data analytics, and math for computer graphics. Over the years, he has presented at several national and international mathematics education conferences, including ICTCM, ITLC, MAA meetings, UConn's Teaching & Learning with Technology Conference, and additional invited events across the U.S. His professional roles include serving as an editorial reviewer for AMTE and being selected as a Project NExT Fellow, along with recognition such as the 2025 FTTC Teaching Excellence Award nomination. These experiences shaped the institute's identity as a serious, research-aligned center that blends academic rigor with innovation.

Rather than offering traditional tutoring, Active Learning Institute operates as a true "math and STEM lab," where students build understanding through active learning, structured practice, problem labs, coding tasks, portfolio building, and competitive experiences. Younger learners encounter strong numeracy foundations and ABACUS-based fluency, while older students engage with advanced topics ranging from AP Calculus to computer graphics mathematics, STEM competitions, teacher-style note-taking, and personal academic portfolio development.

Rather than relying on worksheets or passive tutoring, our instruction emphasizes non-routine problems, visual and computational representations, structured math writing, and discussion-based refinement of ideas.

Whether through in-person coaching, STEM events, online simulations, or teacher professional development, the institute continues to follow the core principle that began in 2018: students learn best by exploring, constructing, discussing, and creating — not by memorizing. From Warangal to St. Louis, that commitment remains unchanged and continues to drive everything ActiveSTEM delivers.

Quality Commitment: Course materials and instructional approaches are regularly reviewed, refined, and piloted before reuse. Feedback from students, parents, and educators is incorporated into revisions, ensuring that programs remain rigorous, clear, and aligned with evolving educational standards.

Success Stories

Student Testimonials

Hear from students and families who have experienced our coaching and programs firsthand.

This course made me want to become a middle school math teacher. It was that inspiring.

Professor Vinay made even calculus fun and visual. His animations helped me actually understand derivatives.

He was always patient, gave real-world examples, and made sure no one left confused.

He gives us tools, not just lectures. I loved the R labs and how everything connected to real data.

We were encouraged to go to the board, to be wrong, and learn from each other.

He’s one of the best professors I’ve had. Never makes you feel bad for not knowing something.

He took time outside class to support us. Truly cares about his students’ success.

This has been one the most understanding and easy to grasp math course I have taken at USM.

I liked the way he related to us and how we talked about real world applications for calculus.

He was very vocal, and he would not move on until someone answered his question.

He made learning relatable. He was also very positive. He showed us how math is used in making films.

Technology; Knowledgeable. Professor Kodipelly is excellent at explaining the course material.

Thank you for a good semester. It was fun watching you develop as a teacher.

Our Courses

Select a course from the navigation to see its full details.

Advanced algebra and competition-style problem solving emphasize pattern fluency, deep factorization, non-routine reasoning, and disciplined math writing—skills often underdeveloped in standard curricula but essential for long-term success.

ABACUS & Mental Math

Sharanya Narra
$200

Engaging and highly effective training designed to build strong foundational numeracy skills through visualization and mental computation using abacus techniques. This course goes beyond rote learning, fostering a deep understanding of numbers and enhancing cognitive abilities crucial for early mathematical success.

Key Skills:

  • Proficient Abacus operation (Addition, Subtraction)
  • Advanced mental visualization and manipulation of numbers
  • Significant improvement in calculation speed and accuracy
  • Introduction to Multiplication and Division (for advanced learners)
  • Enhanced concentration, memory, and logical reasoning

Learning Outcomes:

  • Develop exceptional mental math capabilities and numerical fluency
  • Cultivate stronger focus, attention span, and photographic memory
12 Sessions 6 Weeks Max 5 Students

Vedic Mathematics

Sharanya Narra
$200

Explore the fascinating world of ancient Indian mathematical techniques, presented in an engaging, puzzle-like format.

Key Skills:

  • High-speed addition and subtraction
  • Unique multiplication tricks (“Vertically and Crosswise”)
  • Rapid squaring and cubing techniques
12 Sessions 6 Weeks

Extreme Algebra

Sharanya Narra Live Online
$300

Non-routine algebra for advanced middle school students who find the standard curriculum too slow. Problems require genuine reasoning — not the procedure recall that worksheets reward. Returns for a third consecutive summer, based on two successful prior cohorts.

This course is designed for middle school students who are looking for a challenge beyond the standard curriculum. We focus on non-routine problems and deep conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. Students will learn to think like mathematicians, communicate their reasoning clearly, and build a robust foundation for advanced high school math.

Key Skills:

  • PEMDAS & fractions mastery
  • Radicals & rationalization
  • Advanced factoring techniques
  • Complex number operations
  • Equation solving fluency
12 Sessions 6 Weeks Max 8 Students

AP Calculus Preparation

Prof. Vinay Kodipelly In-Person: St. Louis Also Online: $450
$600

Concept-first approach to limits, derivatives, and integration. Designed for students entering AP Calculus AB or BC who want structural understanding before the semester begins — not a crash review of content they have already seen. Each session builds from the why, not the how.

Key Skills:

  • Limits & continuity from first principles
  • Derivative rules via structured reasoning
  • Integration techniques & the FTC
  • AP-style free-response problem strategy
  • Mathematical writing & justification
12 Sessions 6 Weeks Max 4 Students (In-Person)

Algebra II Readiness

Prof. Vinay Kodipelly In-Person: St. Louis
$450

Builds the algebraic foundation students need before pre-calculus — with deliberate attention to pattern fluency, equation structure, and function thinking. This course addresses precisely the gaps that standard curricula rush past or never revisit, leaving students underprepared for what follows.

Key Skills:

  • Function notation & transformations
  • Polynomial & rational expressions
  • Systems of equations & inequalities
  • Exponential & logarithmic foundations
  • Equation structure & pattern fluency
12 Sessions 6 Weeks Max 4 Students

AP Statistics with R Programming

Prof. Vinay Kodipelly Live Online
$400

Statistical reasoning built through R — students learn to produce, interpret, and question results rather than copy outputs. Industry-standard software from session one. Written feedback on submitted problem sets is included throughout the term.

Key Skills:

  • Descriptive statistics & data visualization in R
  • Probability distributions & simulation
  • Confidence intervals & hypothesis testing
  • Regression analysis & inference
  • Real-world data interpretation & critique
12 Sessions 6 Weeks Max 8 Students

ACT Mathematics

Prof. Vinay Kodipelly Live Online
$350

Timed problem sets, error pattern analysis, and section strategy for students who are mathematically capable but underperform on timed assessments. Not a content review — a diagnostic and strategic course built to close the gap between ability and score.

Key Skills:

  • Timed section strategy & pacing
  • Error pattern identification & correction
  • Pre-algebra through trigonometry coverage
  • Data interpretation & modeling
  • Score optimization through targeted drills
12 Sessions 6 Weeks Max 8 Students

MAP Math Prep

Sharanya Narra Live Online
$300

Targeted preparation for Missouri MAP benchmarks, focused on the concept areas most students underperform on heading into high school. Structured practice with written guidance throughout the term, grounded in Missouri-specific curriculum standards.

Key Skills:

  • Number sense & operations fluency
  • Algebraic reasoning & expressions
  • Geometry & measurement foundations
  • Data analysis & probability
  • Problem-solving & mathematical communication
12 Sessions 6 Weeks Max 8 Students

Math in Computer Graphics

Prof. Vinay Kodipelly Advanced
$Contact

Explore the mathematics behind 3D rendering, animation, and game development. From linear algebra to transformation matrices, students discover how math powers the visual worlds they interact with daily.

Key Skills:

  • Vectors, matrices & linear transformations
  • 3D coordinate systems & projections
  • Bezier curves & surface modeling
  • Lighting models & color theory
12 Sessions 6 Weeks

Intro to Data Science

Prof. Vinay Kodipelly Advanced
$Contact

A hands-on introduction to data science using Python and R. Students work with real datasets to uncover patterns, build visualizations, and communicate findings — developing skills increasingly essential across STEM fields.

Key Skills:

  • Data wrangling & cleaning
  • Statistical analysis & visualization
  • Introduction to machine learning concepts
  • Project-based portfolio development
12 Sessions 6 Weeks
Presentations & Recognition

Highlights

Our work has been featured at national conferences and recognized by educational institutions.

Conference
Conference

ICTCM Presentation

Presented innovative approaches to integrating technology in mathematics education at the International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics.

Award
Award

Project NExT Fellowship

Selected as a Project NExT Fellow, recognizing commitment to excellence in teaching and professional development in mathematics education.

Recognition
Recognition

FTTC Teaching Excellence

Nominated for the 2025 FTTC Teaching Excellence Award for innovative instructional practices and student engagement.

Global Roots, Local Impact

ActiveSTEM India Chapter

ActiveSTEM India India Chapter

Active Learning Institute's story began in 2018 in Warangal, India, where Prof. Vinay and Prof. Sharanya founded a community-centered math and STEM initiative supported by the Center for Science and Mathematics Education at the University of Southern Mississippi. What started as a local effort to bring high-quality mathematics instruction to students quickly evolved into a movement focused on active learning, hands-on exploration, and deep conceptual understanding.

The India chapter continues to serve students in Warangal and surrounding communities, offering foundational mathematics, ABACUS training, early STEM enrichment, and family engagement programs. The work in India laid the groundwork for the pedagogical approach, community partnerships, and student-centered philosophy that now defines Active Learning Institute LLC in the United States.

From Warangal to St. Louis, the commitment remains the same: students learn best when they explore, discuss, and create together.

Leadership

Meet Our Team

Active Learning Institute is led by two dedicated educators with complementary expertise in mathematics education.

Insights from student learning directly inform our teacher workshops, while challenges raised by educators shape how we design student-facing lessons, tools, and materials.

AI-Enhanced Math Teacher Workshops

Explore our AI-in-Math and College Prep workshops.

K-8
K–8 Math Labs

Hands-on Math Labs

Engaging, interactive sessions designed to make math fun and intuitive. Perfect for elementary and middle school students.

  • Build foundational skills
  • Develop problem-solving strategies
  • Foster a love for mathematics
9-12
9–12 College Prep

College Prep & Competitions

Prepare for advanced math courses, standardized tests, and prestigious math competitions with structured, discussion-driven guidance.

  • SAT/ACT Math strategies
  • AMC/AIME/USAMO coaching
  • Advanced topic workshops
AI Math
AI in Math Coding

AI & Coding for Math

Discover the intersection of artificial intelligence, coding, and mathematics. Develop computational thinking skills.

  • Python for data science
  • Machine learning basics
  • Algorithmic problem-solving

Contact Us

General Inquiries

Have a question or want to bring a program to your school? Reach out.

Email: stlactivelearning@gmail.com

Location: St. Louis, MO

Stay Connected

Sign up for our newsletter for updates and new resources.

Join Our Newsletter