This year, the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is honored to recognize 658 young women for excelling in the 2022-2023 MAA American Mathematics Competitions (AMC).

The recognition is made possible through the Young Women in Mathematics Awards & Certificates Program, which strives to inspire young women to pursue their love of mathematics by celebrating their achievements in the MAA AMC and strengthening their confidence in their mathematical abilities.

“I've always enjoyed math, but never had an opportunity to show my interest, until now. I’m proud of my achievement and glad that I got the chance to participate in the MAA AMC,” said first-time participant Olivia Brown, recipient of the Jane Street AMC 12 A Certificate of Excellence.

I've always enjoyed math, but never had an opportunity to show my interest, until now. I'm proud of my achievement and glad that I got the chance to participate in the MAA AMC.

Olivia Brown, Jane Street AMC 12 A Certificate of Excellence Winner

Once again, the MAA was able to offer a total of $25,000 to the 33 highest-scoring young women to help further their mathematical studies and training. The top five highest-scoring girls in each MAA Section per competition received a certificate. Both award and certificate recipients can be found onM-Powered, the MAA AMC community’s online hub, along with more information about this program.

The vision of a single student, Meera Desai, who wished to see more students like herself participate in the competitions, led to the first prizes for young women MAA AMC participants in 2019. With additional support from the MAA AMC community the Young Women in Mathematics Awards & Certificates Program continues to grow and underscores the positive impact that the MAA AMC has on young women participants.

“The pervasive stereotype that mathematics is a ‘male’ field leads to social expectations that girls may be inferior to boys in mathematics,” stated Xiaoyue Yang, Two Sigma AMC 10 B Award and Certificate winner. “However, when I participate in these types of competitions again and again, I gradually let go of my inferiority complex.”

This year’s program winners emphasized the significance of building community in math, especially among other women. They also highlighted the importance of finding women mentors in the field, as well as serving as mentors themselves.

Srilekha Mamidala, a Jane Street AMC 12 A Certificate of Excellence winner, intentionally encourages girls to pursue math competitions. “I write problems and make videos on concepts from introductory algebra to 3D geometry to permutations in a fun, engaging way so that girls can see that math is very fun to do.”

The MAA commends this year’s group of young women, who are breaking barriers in STEM education. We look forward to continuing to support them, which is made possible thanks to our generous donors: Akamai Technologies, Inc., Awesome Math Girls, Jane Street, The D. E. Shaw Group, and Two Sigma.