Student Essay Contest
The Student Essay Contest by the Association for Women in Mathematics invites students to write interview-based essays highlighting women and underrepresented gender identities in mathematics.
Funder: Association for Women in Mathematics
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (submissions open) | February 1, 2027 (submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Monetary prize, AWM membership, and certificate for winners and honorable mentions; one Grand Prize per year.
Summary: Annual contest for students to write biographical essays highlighting women and underrepresented gender identities in mathematics based on interviews.
Key Information: Open internationally to middle school, high school, and undergraduate students; essays must be based on an interview and submitted individually.
Description
The Student Essay Contest, sponsored by the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) in partnership with Math for America, invites middle school, high school, and undergraduate students worldwide to write biographical essays about women and individuals from underrepresented gender identities in the mathematical sciences. Each essay must be based primarily on an interview with a professional or retiree in a mathematics-related career, aiming to increase awareness of diverse contributions to mathematics and inspire future generations. Submissions are evaluated on content, grammar, presentation, and the authenticity of the author's voice.
