Led · Seed · May 2024

National Math Stars is a nonprofit that identifies and supports mathematically extraordinary 2nd and 3rd grade students, initially recruiting 50–60 students from Texas. The program provides each admitted student more than $100,000 in resources over ten years, including math coaching, advanced courses, summer STEM experiences, family advising, community events, and financial assistance. The initiative is free for students and families and targets children who lack access to sufficiently advanced instruction and community; schools are asked to nominate their top 2–3% of students and parents may also nominate directly. NMS ran a pilot cohort this school year and plans future cohorts from Texas and other states as the program grows; applications for the first cohort are open through June 30, 2024. The organization has closed a $16.5 million philanthropic seed commitment to fund its first three years. CEO Ilana Walder-Biesanz and prominent figures in the math community, including Richard Rusczyk and Dr. Ravi Vakil, are publicly supporting the effort.