AWM Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Association For Women in Mathematics

If you enjoy both math and storytelling, this is a great chance to learn about real careers in the mathematical sciences and share that story with others. The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM), together with Math for America, runs an essay contest that highlights the work of women and people of underrepresented gender identities in mathematics. Your essay should be based mainly on an interview with someone currently working or retired in a mathematical-sciences career (academic, industry, or government). Middle school, high school, and undergraduate students are all welcome to enter.

What you need to know at a glance
- Who can enter: Students in grades 6–8, grades 9–12, and undergraduates. At least one winner will be chosen from each category.
- Submission window: November 1 to February 1 via MathPrograms.org.
- Contact: Questions can be sent to the AWM Essay Contest Organizer, Dr. Johanna Franklin (johanna.n.franklin@hofstra.edu).
- Note: Submissions for the 2026 contest are open on MathPrograms.org.

What to include in your submission
Your packet must contain:
1. The essay. 500–1000 words, written as an essay (not just an interview transcript) and based primarily on an interview you conducted.
2. A short biographical sketch of the student (about 100 words). This may be written in first person and should include your name, grade, school, and mathematical interests.
3. Student contact information:
- name
- mailing address (student or parent)
- phone number or email (student or parent)
4. Interview subject contact information:
- name
- email address
- phone number (optional)

Judging criteria
Essays are evaluated by a panel of mathematicians on:
- Content (how well you use the interview to tell a clear, accurate, and engaging story)
- Grammar and clarity
- Overall presentation
Remember: the piece should be your written essay, not a verbatim transcript. Aim for a thoughtful narrative that highlights the person’s path, work, and advice.

Choosing a subject — who to interview
You may interview any woman or person of an underrepresented gender identity in the mathematics community who is currently working in or retired from a mathematical-sciences career, with a few exceptions:
- People who have been the subject of a Grand Prize, First Place, or Honorable Mention in the past three contests
- The AWM President, President-Elect, Past President, and Executive Director
- Current members of the AWM Essay Contest Committee
A complete list of ineligible interviewees is available online.

Where to look for interview subjects
- University or college mathematics (and related departments such as applied math, statistics, computer science, physics, engineering, finance) faculty pages
- Professional and community organizations (NAM, NSBE, SACNAS, Lathisms, MGB, Indigenous Mathematicians, Spectra)
- SIAM, Bureau of Labor Statistics resources on mathematical careers
- Social media profiles of mathematicians
- Your math teachers or local professionals

Suggested interview questions and tips
Use these as starting points and let the conversation evolve:
- What motivated you to pursue a career in the mathematical sciences?
- What is your educational, family, or cultural background?
- What kind of work do you do (or did you do)?
- What advice do you have for students interested in mathematical careers?
- What are your hobbies or interests outside work?

Interview tips (teacher-to-student advice)
- Prepare: research your subject and draft 8–10 questions, but be ready to follow up.
- Prefer live conversation (in person, phone, or video) over email; it leads to richer answers.
- With permission, record the interview so you can quote accurately and focus on listening.
- Take notes and ask for clarification when something is unclear.
- Turn the interview into a narrative—contextualize quotes and explain why details matter.

Administrative notes
- All submissions become the property of the Association for Women in Mathematics.
- For submission, deadlines, and the full list of ineligible interviewees, go to MathPrograms.org.
- If you have questions, contact Dr. Johanna Franklin at johanna.n.franklin@hofstra.edu.

Start early, be curious, and write a clear, thoughtful story that shows both the person and the math in their life.