The National Math Talent Fund is a $30 million initiative co-led by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and Last Mile Education Fund. Our shared goal is to keep 10,000 mathematics and quantitative-science students on track to graduation by 2029, ensuring that a single financial setback doesn’t derail a promising mathematical career.

Supporting students at critical moments in their mathematical journeys has always been central to the MAA’s mission. The National Math Talent Fund is a natural extension of that work, and provides timely, flexible support when unexpected expenses put a degree at risk. The MAA brings over 100 years of leadership in mathematics education, a nationwide network of chapters, and deep relationships with faculty and departments who are often the first to know when a student is struggling.

Math and quantitative-science students within their final four semesters before graduation who are facing unexpected financial hardship. There are no GPA cutoffs or merit barriers as the focus is on students with talent and determination who simply need a bridge to the finish line.

The Fund supports students who are in a variety of math, quantitative science, and math-adjacent majors. Examples of eligible majors are:

• Mathematics and Statistics
• Data Analytics
• Accounting and Finance
• Mathematics Teacher Education
• Artificial Intelligence 

We recommend students who are unsure if they qualify for support submit an application.

Award amounts vary by individual circumstance, but are typically under $3,000 and are delivered within days or weeks, not months. Speed matters, because financial crises don’t wait.

Funds are flexible and can cover whatever barrier stands between a student and their degree, such as tuition gaps, housing, food, transportation, or other urgent expenses. The funds cannot cover credit card bills, child support, or student loans.

The U.S. is not producing enough graduates in math-intensive fields to meet growing demand in AI, data science, quantitative research, and scientific computing. Every year, an estimated 2,000 mathematics and quantitative majors drop out just before graduation due to modest, solvable financial emergencies. The National Math Talent Fund addresses that gap directly.

The MAA brings over a century of trust with mathematicians, faculty, and students across the country. Our nationwide network of members and Sections are positioned to identify students in need and connect them to support. We also provide mentorship and professional belonging, helping students not just complete their degrees but launch into meaningful, mathematically rich careers.

Last Mile brings a proven, data-driven funding model with demonstrated results: over $18M invested in 14,000+ students across 1,000+ institutions, an 80% graduation rate, and a 45× 10-year social return on investment. Last Mile delivers fast, flexible awards quickly, with no GPA barriers, and invests abundantly in persistence, not perfection.

Griffin Catalyst and Citadel | Citadel Securities are the founding sponsors of the National Math Talent Fund.

We welcome universities, foundations, employers, and individual donors to join this effort. To connect with the MAA about partnership opportunities, reach out to development@maa.org. To connect with Last Mile Education Fund, contact grants@lastmile-ed.org. A Fund Overview is also available for download at lastmile-ed.org/math.

Visit maa.org to explore our publications, student programs, professional development resources, and upcoming events — including MAA MathFest in Boston, August 5–8, 2026.

Visit lastmile-ed.org to explore their student support programs, research and impact reports, workforce initiatives, and partnership opportunities — including the National Math Talent Fund.