National Math Stars Names 2025 Cohort of Exceptional Young Math Students

Drawn from Texas and six newly added midwestern states, learners will each receive more than $100,000 in educational support over ten years

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Math Stars (NMS) has selected a new cohort of 102 exceptional young students for its multi-year program. NMS supports high-performing math students beginning in second and third grades. The 2025 cohort is the first to include students from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin as part of the organization’s recent expansion into the Midwest. Current programs in Texas will also welcome new learners.

Launched in 2023, NMS identifies mathematically extraordinary second and third-graders and provides long-term, individualized support to help them make the most of their talents. NMS’ core program provides each student with more than $100,000 in academic mentorship, enrichment opportunities, and other resources over the course of 10 years or until high school graduation.

“The 2025 cohort represents a major milestone for us - not only are we adding learners from six new states, we’re more than doubling the total number of students we support,” said Ilana Walder-Biesanz, CEO of National Math Stars. “We aim to one day accelerate exceptional math talent from every state in the nation, and this is a huge step toward that goal.”

Applicants complete a multi-stage evaluation process that assesses each student’s mathematical aptitude, eagerness for deeper STEM exploration, and the program’s potential impact on their trajectory.

In January, National Math Stars announced a major geographic expansion into the Midwest, aimed at reaching more students in underrepresented regions. In addition, the Iowa Department of Education launched a statewide partnership with NMS in 2025; encouraging more than 700 top-performing third graders to apply for the program. This year’s class reflects that broader reach and ongoing commitment to equity in advanced education.

About National Math Stars
Founded in 2023, National Math Stars is a nonprofit whose mission is to ensure mathematically extraordinary students from all communities have the resources they need to reach the frontiers of math and science. Learn more at www.nationalmathstars.org.