National Math Stars Announces Major Expansion into Southern States

Addition of states follows launch of new ‘Pathfinder’ program; $5 million Bezos award

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.

NMS identifies learners who demonstrate 1-in-1000 math ability, starting in second or third grade. Through the organization’s Pathfinder program, which launched in October 2025, selected students receive access to advanced coursework, advising, community events, and more. For families with significant need, NMS' Voyager program, active since 2023, provides each learner with more than $100,000 in support over 10 years or until they graduate from high school.

With applications for the 2026 cohort now open, NMS asks educators in all eligible states to nominate their top 2-3% highest-performing math students. Those nominees will then enter NMS’s comprehensive selection process. Parents can also apply on behalf of their children.

Founder and CEO Ilana Walder-Biesanz was recently selected as a recipient 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.

“2025 was a tremendous year for NMS. We’re channeling that momentum into our geographical expansion and the growth of our Pathfinder program,” explained Walder-Biesanz. “These wins are important stepping stones toward our central goal: ensuring that every exceptional math student in America has the support they need to make the most of their talents.”

In August of 2025, NMS selected a new cohort of 102 Voyager Stars and brought them all together in October for Welcome Weekend in Houston, TX.

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.