Student Essay Contest
The AWM Student Essay Contest invites students to interview and write biographical essays about women and underrepresented gender identities in mathematics to highlight diversity and achievements in the field.
Funder: Association for Women in Mathematics
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (submission opens) | February 2027 (final deadline)
Funding Amounts: Monetary awards for winners in three student categories; includes AWM membership and certificates.
Summary: Annual contest inviting students to write biographical essays based on interviews with women or underrepresented gender identities in mathematics.
Key Information: Open internationally to middle school, high school, and undergraduate students; essays must be based on interviews.
Description
The Student Essay Contest, sponsored by the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and Math for America, encourages students to explore and highlight the stories and contributions of women and individuals from underrepresented gender identities in the mathematical sciences. Participants conduct interviews with professionals in academic, industrial, or government mathematics careers and write biographical essays (500–1000 words) based on these interviews. The contest aims to increase awareness of diversity in mathematics and to promote gender inclusivity. Winning essays are recognized with monetary prizes, AWM memberships, certificates, and publication in the AWM Newsletter and online.
