AWM and MFA Essay Contest — Women in Mathematical Careers

The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and Math for America (MfA) co-sponsor an essay contest each year for students in three grade categories: Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, and Undergraduate. It’s open to any student in these categories: there are no restrictions based on gender, nationality, or anything else.

To enter, students interview a woman in a mathematical career about her life and work, and then they write and submit a biographical essay of about 500-1000 words based on their interview. If a student wants help finding a woman to interview, they can ask AWM for help — they have a matching service that connects students with women mathematicians!

Important dates:

• December 1, 2022: Contest opens for submissions
• January 10, 2023: Last day for students to request a match with an interviewee
• February 1, 2023: Entry deadline

Useful links:

• Essay Contest website with rules, an FAQ, submission instructions, previous winning essays, etc.
• The Association for Women in Mathematics’s website
• Math for America’s website

Contact Johanna Franklin, AWM Essay Contest Committee Chair, with any questions you have at johanna.n.franklin@hofstra.edu