MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge (http://m3challenge.siam.org) is an internet-based competition for high school juniors and seniors known for inspiring them to pursue STEM majors and careers. Working in teams of three to five, participants use math and data to solve a real-world problem – in 14 hours. The contest, organized by Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and sponsored by leading software developer MathWorks, is completely free to register and compete. M3 Challenge will award $100,000+ in scholarship prizes toward the pursuit of higher education and has given more than $1.95 million in scholarships to date.
Competition Process
Students use math and data to solve a real-world problem during the 14-hour time of their choice during Challenge weekend (Friday, February 27, 2026-Monday, March 2, 2026). Teams submit a written paper describing their solution.Judging Criteria
M3 Judges decide which teams receive a share of up to $100,000 in scholarship prizes. After the close of Challenge weekend, applied mathematicians serving as triage judges read and score each solution paper according to the competition guidelines to identify the best submissions. Each paper is read by a minimum of two, and as many as five triage judges. During the second round of judging, a smaller group of contention judges extensively reads and discusses the remaining papers to select those worthy of semi-finalist and honorable mention awards, and tentatively ranks the top six finalist teams. During these first two rounds, all solution papers are judged blind, meaning that judges only see the team ID #. The third and final phase of judging involves presentations by the six finalist teams. A panel of Ph.D.-level professional mathematicians confirms the champ, runner up, and third place winner of these top six teams, with the remaining three teams receiving “Finalist” distinction. Team scholarship prizes of $5,000 to $20,000 are presented at the awards ceremony that follows.Participate
Website: https://m3challenge.siam.org/
Managing Organization: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
Eligibility:
11th and 12th graders from anywhere in the United States, including territories and DoDEA schools, and sixth form students in England and Wales may participate. Homeschool and cyberschool students in those areas are also eligible. Teams must be comprised of three to five students with one coach. Additional information regarding eligibility can be found here.
11th and 12th graders from anywhere in the United States, including territories and DoDEA schools, and sixth form students in England and Wales may participate. Homeschool and cyberschool students in those areas are also eligible. Teams must be comprised of three to five students with one coach. Additional information regarding eligibility can be found here.
Registration Dates
November 3, 2025
8:00am PST
Registration Opens
February 20, 2026
2:00pm PST