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The Hardest Math Problem Student Contest

THE ACTUARIAL FOUNDATION

Foundation Annual STEM Education Grants
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Funding Amount

$5,000 (grand prize), tablets (runner-up), $500 gift cards (teachers)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

The Hardest Math Problem Student Contest

Description: A national middle school math competition designed to help students practice critical thinking and accurate computation through multistep, grade-specific math problems with real-world situations and engaging characters.

Geographic Scope: United States (national competition)

Focus Areas:

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving

  • Mathematical reasoning and computational accuracy

  • Real-world applications of mathematics

  • Building confidence with math

  • Establishing important foundational math skills

    • Grade Levels:

  • Grades 6-8 (primary target)

  • Grade 5 students can also compete

  • Students can challenge themselves by completing problems in grades above them

    • Award Structure:

  • Grand Prize Winners (per grade level): $5,000 deposit to a 529 savings plan + laptop

  • Runner-up Winners (3 per grade level): Tablet computer

  • Winning Teachers (per grade level): $500 gift card

    • Competition Format:

  • Two-challenge structure

  • Challenge 1: Initial qualifying round

  • Challenge 2: Final round for qualified entrants

  • Judged by team of actuaries

  • Evaluation criteria: mathematical communication, mathematical precision, attention to detail

    • Past Participation:

  • 2021: 4,306 students participated in Challenge 1; 2,216 entries were correct

  • 2022: Over 6,100 students participated in Challenge 1; 53% of entries were correct

    • Partners:

  • The Actuarial Foundation

  • New York Life Foundation (primary sponsor)

  • Scholastic (global children's publishing, education and media company)

    • Contact Information:

  • The Actuarial Foundation

  • 869 E. Schaumburg Rd. #321, Schaumburg, IL 60194-3654

  • Phone: 847.706.3535

  • Email: info@actfnd.org

  • Website: actuarialfoundation.org

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Two-Challenge Format:

    1. Challenge 1 (Qualifying Round)
    - Students complete grade-specific multistep math problems
    - Real-world scenarios and engaging characters
    - Emphasis on detailed steps and reasoning
    - Required to pass to advance to Challenge 2

    2. Challenge 2 (Final Round)
    - Additional challenging story problems
    - Combines reasoning skills with mathematics
    - Only students with correct Challenge 1 entries are eligible

    Requirements:

  • Show detailed steps

  • Demonstrate critical thinking

  • Communicate mathematical reasoning

  • Show attention to detail in computation

    • Participation:

  • Open to students in grades 6-8 (grade 5 students may also participate)

  • Administered through schools

  • Teacher involvement for submission and support

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    stem-education

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