# AWM Student Essay Contest

National essay contest from AWM and Math for America: interview a working mathematician from an underrepresented gender identity and write a 500-1000 word biography. Deadline February 1, 2027.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Association for Women in Mathematics |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | 2027-02-01 (verified 2026-07-27) |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://awm-math.org/awards/student-essay-contest/ |

## About this program

# 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the application deadline for AWM Student Essay Contest?

The application deadline is February 1, 2027 (deadline last verified July 27, 2026). Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for AWM Student Essay Contest?

AWM Student Essay Contest is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is AWM Student Essay Contest online or in person?

AWM Student Essay Contest is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to AWM Student Essay Contest?

Apply directly through Association for Women in Mathematics's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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