National Math Stars (NMS), a not-for-profit that supports mathematically extraordinary students, today announced a major expansion into the southern United States. The organization has added Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama to its Voyager and Pathfinder Stars programs, which are already active in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Applications for learners in all ten states are now open until June 14, 2026. Apply at www.nationalmathstars.org/apply.

Gates Cambridge Scholar Ilana Walder-Biesanz is one of five recipients of a $5 million Bezos Courage & Civility Award for her work to encourage outstanding budding mathematicians to reach their full potential.

Ilana is CEO and Founder of National Math Stars [NMS]. The 2025 Bezos Courage & Civility Awards, given by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos, were announced in late December. NMS will use the award to accelerate the organisation’s growth through a new pilot programme as well as to build vital infrastructure as it scales across the US.

$5 million grant from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos will fund National Math Stars’ continued efforts to support exceptional young mathematicians

National Math Stars (NMS) today announced that Founder and CEO Ilana Walder-Biesanz has been selected as one of five recipients of the 2025 Bezos Courage & Civility Awards, given by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. The $5 million award will go to accelerating NMS’ growth, supporting a new pilot program, and building infrastructure for the organization as it scales.

Twenty-one additional Iowa elementary students have been selected to join the innovative National Math Stars program, through a new extension pilot program that will support and accelerate their talents in mathematics education for the next 10 years.

Through the new Pathfinder Stars Program, students will have access to expert guidance from the National Math Stars team as well as fun learning opportunities in the community. Students may also qualify for financial support to help pay for STEM-related advanced courses and camps, as needed.

Funding will enable NMS’ continued educational support of high-performing math students, as well as expansion into new states and programs

HOUSTON, November 5, 2025 – National Math Stars (NMS), the non-profit that supports high-performing math students across the country, has received a generous grant from Astera Institute, whose mission is to “catalyze scientific and technological efforts that drive long-term progress.” Astera has provided NMS with $1.33 million in support.

Building partnerships and seizing opportunities in Year Two

By Ilana Walder-Biesanz

I was all nerves the night before my presentation at a big education leaders’ conference. But Iowa’s top education official didn’t even need to hear my pitch. I mentioned National Math Stars over drinks at the bar, and she immediately asked, “Can we get your program to Iowa this year?” Overnight, our small nonprofit had a chance to reach all of Iowa’s most mathematically talented children at once. We shook hands on it. If she helped with nominations, we’d support Iowa Stars.