National Math Stars announce US Midwestern expansion in support of gifted kids
Gifted students in five additional US states – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin – will each receive over $100,000 in resources over ten years from the not-for-profit National Math Stars (NMS) organization. The aim of the onsite support is to help them advance from grades 2 and 3 through to high school graduation and the upper echelons of math and science.
The NMS not-for-profit now has a national pilot, after starting out in Texas, and is seeking to rollout its support further across the US, starting in the Midwest.
The support on offer includes math coaching; advanced courses, some online; plus STEM experiences (with travel expenses covered); family advice and other such assistance. The program is free for students and families.
Students currently enrolled in NMS’s pilot and initial Texas-based programs have already hit key milestones, with many 4th graders excelling in 7th grade math courses.
Solomon Methvin, a 6th grade student, has published a research paper on the combinatorics of Rubik's cubing. Another student, David Edorh, took first place among the nation’s fifth graders in the 2024 Math Masters competition.
“We all know ‘that kid’ - the one with astounding math abilities - but many families lack the resources to keep kids like that challenged. That is where we come in,” explained NMS’ CEO, Ilana Walder-Biesanz. “It’s gratifying to watch our current students grow, and we’re excited to provide the same opportunities in five additional states.”
NMS is asking educators to nominate the top 2-3% of their students the five designated states, who will then enter NMS’s comprehensive selection process. Applications are open until June 15, 2025 via www.nationalmathstars.org/apply. Parents can also apply on behalf of their children.
