The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is proud to offer the MAA MathFest Student Scholars Travel Grants, supporting students from historically underrepresented groups in mathematics as they attend and present research at MAA MathFest. Made possible through the generosity of the D.E. Shaw Group, these grants provide funding to help cover travel expenses for eligible students. MAA MathFest Student Scholars will be supported by faculty mentors as they prepare for and attend MathFest with their cohort.

Eligibility

• Must have been enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in mathematics or a related field within the nine months prior to MAA MathFest (August 2026).  
• Must be presenting a research poster or talk at MAA MathFest.  
• Must be able to attend MAA MathFest for its full duration, from Wednesday, August 5th through Saturday, August 8th.
• Must demonstrate how their participation helps broaden representation in the field of mathematics.

Students should apply for this travel grant while awaiting acceptance of their presentation, with award notifications following confirmation of acceptance.

Timeline

• Travel Grant Applications Due May 31, 2026
• Call for Undergraduate Student Posters Due June 8, 2026
• Notifications of Travel Grant Awards on or around Jun 15, 2026
• Acceptance of Awards and Travel Confirmations by July 1, 2026
• MAA MathFest August 5-8, 2026

About the Application

The application will collect contact information and optional demographic information, which will be separated from your application for review. It will also ask you to confirm that you have submitted a talk or poster to present and include the title of your talk or poster and the session(s).

The application will require short essays (300 words or less) in response to the following prompts.

• The MAA Core Values are Inclusion, Communication, Community, and Teaching and Learning. Please describe how one or more of these values has been important to your mathematical education.
• Please describe why you would like to participate in MAA MathFest and what you hope to gain from attending. Include specific examples of sessions or presentations you plan to attend.
• Please describe how your participation broadens representation in mathematics.
• How would this award make it possible for you to attend MAA MathFest in ways that wouldn’t otherwise be possible with other available funds? If you have applied for other funding to supplement this award, please note the amount that you're eligible for here and whether this is confirmed or pending (with a date when it will be confirmed).

Funding Details

MAA MathFest Student Scholars Travel Grant recipients’ registration, flights, and hotel will be booked through MAA. A meal and incidental stipend will be provided to cover any additional expenses, such as airport transportation and parking. Recipients with dependents may also be eligible for up to $500 in support for childcare expenses during the conference. Full details on covered expenses and the reimbursement process will be provided upon acceptance. If you have questions, please reach out to programs@maa.org.