The Epsilon Fund seeks to fund programs that follow the basic model that has proved so successful in the past: the programs should run over a period of multiple weeks during the summer, bring in at least twenty high school students with mathematical talent, and generally be directed by mathematicians.

Within these broad guidelines, many different models of programs are 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, or they may be specifically targeted to one high school year (e.g., 9th graders), or to mathematically talented women or minorities. Programs that concentrate on problem solving or mathematical research or both are welcome to apply as well. Even "summer" is not a firm requirement, though it is expected that most, if not all, will take place during the summer. Programs that use undergraduate or graduate students along with mathematicians in their teaching are particularly encouraged.

We recognize that there is no magic formula that makes the best mathematics programs. That said, our first and main objective is to support programs that are most successful in nourishing mathematically talented youth.

Programs that have run successfully for at least one year are given preference for funding over new programs. The selection committee, in an effort to encourage new programs, would like to be as flexible as possible with the understanding that funds are limited and recently begun programs will have to show evidence of a good fit between their plans and the Epsilon Fund's mission. All programs are encouraged to make an extra effort to attract members of underrepresented groups. It is our belief that true mathematical talent lives in students in rural areas as well as cities, in students of both genders and of all colors.

AWARDS

Funding for the Epsilon award is set at a minimum award of $2,500 for mature programs. This amount is generally unrestricted. The normal award levels should be between $5,000 and $15,000 with the $5,000 level for promising experiments that need encouragement, with the intent that half of each award should be earmarked for scholarships and half for general support of the program. Awards are normally for one summer only; a new application can be made each year for support. However, if you would like your program to be considered for a two-year award, please indicate that in the budget section of your application.

To receive an award, applicant programs for 2018 must have a proven track record of at least one year, and preferably more. Programs must be physically located in the United States or Canada.

It is expected that award notifications will be made by the end of February 2018. Notification of awards will contain any restrictions on the use of the funds, and instructions on reporting. A final report will be required.

Awards will also be announced in a spring issue of Notices of the AMS.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1) One page Cover letter - this letter should contain all important basic data about the program such as:

a)Program Name
b)Institution that sponsors the program
c)Program's URL
d)Deadline for applications for your program to be held in 2018
e)Number of students expected to enroll in summer 2018
f)total program budget
g)Amount of tuition and fees to be paid by each student (for a student who does not receive financial aid)
h)length of program (in weeks).

2) Two page Program Details Letter - this letter should contain the following information describing:

a)the program, what distinguishes it from other summer programs
b)the mathematics at the program
c)briefly the logistics of the program
d)what the program has done in the past (if not a new program)
e)plans for diversity
f)finances and how the Epsilon Fund will be used
g)what funding the program has received in the past (if any)

3) Optional Recommendation Letter - this letter should come from somebody NOT currently working in the program, e.g., an outside faculty or past alumni. You can, instead, provide the name of a reference person in the programs details letter that you need to upload.

PUBLICITY FOR MATH PROGRAMS

The AMS web site features a list of known summer programs for mathematically talented high school students (http://www.ams.org/mathcamps). The AMS also provides a webpage for math camp directors who wish to receive partial funding for their math camp through the AMS Epsilon Fund (http://www.ams.org/programs/edu-support/epsilon/emp-epsilon). Please provide these web addresses in the publicity brochure or web site for your program, if possible. If everyone does so, all programs will benefit.