AWM Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Association For Women in Mathematics
About the Contest
The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and Math for America co-sponsor this essay contest to highlight women’s contributions to the mathematical sciences and promote gender inclusivity. Students write biographies based primarily on interviews with women or people of underrepresented gender identities in the mathematics community who work or have worked in mathematical sciences careers. The contest is open to middle school, high school, and undergraduate students.
- Essays focus on contemporary mathematicians and statisticians in academic, industrial, or government careers.
- Submissions are based primarily on an interview conducted by the student.
- Students compete in one of three grade-level categories.
Submission Procedure
Submissions for the 2027 contest are open through MathPrograms.org. The submission period begins November 1 and ends at the February deadline. Submit the required essay, student biography, and contact information for both the student and the interview subject.
Submission packet: Include the following materials and information:
- A biographical essay of approximately 500–1,000 words, based primarily on an interview with an eligible subject.
- A student biography of approximately 100 words. It may be written in the first person and should include the student’s name, grade level, school, and mathematical interests.
- Student contact information: name, mailing address for the student or parent, and the student’s or parent’s phone number or email address.
- Interview subject information: name and email address; phone number is optional.
Questions: Contact the AWM Essay Contest Organizer, Dr. Johanna Franklin, at [email protected].
Contest Rules and Judging
Students may enter in the middle school, high school, or undergraduate category. At least one winning submission will be selected from each category. Essays must be written as biographies rather than presented as interview transcripts. A panel of mathematicians will evaluate submissions.
Categories:
- Grades 6–8
- Grades 9–12
- Undergraduate
Judging criteria: Essays are assessed on content, grammar, presentation, and the presence of an authentic author’s voice.
Choosing an Interview Subject
The subject must be a woman or a person of an underrepresented gender identity in the mathematics community who is currently working in or retired from a mathematical sciences career. Potential subjects may work in academia, industry, or government. Students can use professional organizations, local educational institutions, and personal connections to identify interviewees. Resources on mathematical careers are also available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and SIAM.
Ways to find an interviewee:
- Explore the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Lathisms, Mathematically Gifted & Black (MGB), Indigenous Mathematicians, or Spectra.
- Search for mathematicians who are active on social media.
- Look for mathematics faculty at a nearby college or university by checking its mathematics department website.
- Consider faculty in related departments, including applied mathematics, computer science, statistics, physics, engineering, and finance.
- Ask a nearby mathematics teacher for suggestions.