program Description

The AMS Young Scholars Program

The AMS Young Scholars Program, supported by the Epsilon Fund, was established to help fund summer mathematics programs in the United States for mathematically talented youth. The program aims to nurture those that are interested in mathematics by aiding summer programs that provide high school students with opportunities to engage with mathematics in a way that builds curiosity and confidence. 

The program's primary objective is to support programs that are the most successful in nourishing mathematically talented youth. Programs that have run successfully for multiple years are typically given preference for funding over newer programs. While new programs will be considered, they must show evidence of a good fit between their plans and the mission of the AMS Young Scholars Program. 

Programs that have applied for and/or received AMS Young Scholars Program funding in the past and want to be considered for funding again must submit a new application each year.

At least half the funds awarded to a program must be used for student scholarships; the remainder should be used for program expenses. No institutional overhead or indirect costs will be covered with these award funds.

Timeline

Applications will be accepted from November 1, 2024 – January 22, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST). Applicants will be notified of their application status by April 1, 2025. These notifications will include any restrictions on the use of the funds and instructions on reporting. A final report will be required after the summer program concludes and must be submitted by October 15, 2025.

Funding 

Multiple programs will be awarded each year. Funding to awarded programs lasts for one year. Funding amounts may vary from year to year.

Funding for the AMS Young Scholars Program is set at a minimum award of $2,500 for mature programs and may be up to $15,000 per grant. Awards of $5,000 may be made to newer programs as seed funding. In all cases, no less than half of each award must be used for scholarships, and the remainder should be used for program expenses (excluding institutional overhead or indirect costs).  

To be considered eligible for an AMS Young Scholars award, programs must: 

• Have a proven track record of at least one year in operation (preferably more) 
• Be located in the United States

Beyond these requirements, the AMS Young Scholars Program seeks to fund programs that:

• Are run over a period of multiple weeks during the summer. (It is expected that most, if not all, of the program will take place during the summer months of May – September.)
• Bring in at least 20 high school students with mathematical talent. 
• Are directed by mathematicians.

Within these broad guidelines, many different programs may be considered eligible and are welcome to apply. Programs may focus on any area of mathematics, pure or applied, and be of narrow or broad scope, including programs that may concentrate on problem solving and/or mathematical research. They may also be specifically targeted to one high school year (e.g., 9th graders), or to mathematically talented women or racial minorities. Programs that incorporate undergraduate or graduate students alongside mathematicians in their teaching are particularly encouraged, as well as those that attract members of underrepresented groups.