AWM Student Essay Contest

# AWM Student Essay Contest The Association for Women in Mathematics runs this contest with Math for America to "increase awareness of women's ongoing contributions to the mathematical sciences." Unlike a problem-solving competition, the assignment is journalistic: each essay "is based primarily on an interview with a woman or an individual from any underrepresented gender identity in the mathematics community who is currently working in or retired from a mathematical sciences career." ## What You'll Do - Identify and contact a mathematician or statistician working in academia, industry, or government - Conduct an interview about their career path, their research, and how they got there - Write a biography of roughly 500 to 1000 words - Submit through MathPrograms.org during the November 1 - February 1 window - Compete within your grade division: grades 6-8, grades 9-12, or college undergraduate ## Who Should Apply Any middle or high school student in grades 6-12 who is curious about mathematical careers and comfortable writing. No competition math background is required - the skills rewarded are research, interviewing, and clear prose, which makes it one of the most accessible entries into the mathematics community for students who do not compete in olympiads. ## Outcomes Winning essays are published on the AWM website and winners receive a financial award. Beyond the prize, participants finish with a real professional contact in the mathematical sciences and a published-quality writing sample - both unusual for a middle or high school student.