Iowa’s 2026 National Math Stars may receive more than $100,000 each in philanthropic support for their individualized learning and financial needs
The Iowa Department of Education today announced that 44 outstanding Iowa elementary students have been selected for the 2026 cohort of National Math Stars, a 10-year enrichment program to support mathematically extraordinary students beginning as rising fourth graders. As a part of Iowa’s Math Counts initiative to accelerate math achievement statewide, last year, the Iowa Department of Education announced its first-in-the-nation state partnership with National Math Stars.
“We are proud to congratulate each of Iowa’s 2026 National Math Stars and our 785 nominees, alongside their families and teachers, for their hard work and exceptional achievements in mathematics,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Iowa continues to help lead the nation through this first-ever statewide partnership, providing our extraordinary students supports tailored to their strengths and interests through twelfth grade. This transformational work builds upon Iowa’s comprehensive 2025 Math Counts Act and 2026 legislation to empower learners with advanced math pathways beginning in middle school and automatic enrollment in accelerated coursework.”
Iowa's partnership with National Math Stars brings millions of dollars of educational support to Iowa students over the next decade, including through dedicated family advisors, weekly math mentoring, advanced technology and educational resources, pathway exploration and counseling, STEM summer experiences, family and community events, and more. The students were selected from a total of 785 nominated Iowa third graders representing 210 districts and nonpublic schools who scored within the top 2% for mathematics on the 2025-26 state summative assessment.
Iowa’s National Math Stars join approximately 600 other students from across the country who were chosen this year from a national pool of nearly 9,000 applicants. To be considered for the program, the students had to complete a multi-stage evaluation process that assessed their mathematical aptitude, interest in STEM exploration and the program’s potential impact on their future outcomes.
“We aim to find the most extraordinary young mathematicians from all over the US, and do everything we can to ensure that they make the most of their gifts,” added Ilana Walder-Biesanz, CEO of National Math Stars. “Often, the hardest part is finding those unique learners and encouraging them to apply. Iowa was our first-ever state partner in that effort! Their continued partnership ensures we can identify and support Iowa’s brightest young minds.”
National Math Stars places accepted students into one of two programs based on family need. The Pathfinder program connects students with rigorous coursework, personalized guidance, need-based financial aid and a growing community of other Stars and their families. In addition to the benefits offered in Pathfinder, Voyager Stars receive full funding for summer camps, travel to competitions, courses, STEM supplies and more—monetary support that totals more than $100,000 per student over the duration of the program. Both Voyager and Pathfinder serve students for ten years, or through the end of high school. For the 2026 cohort, 10 Iowa students were named to the Voyager program and 34 were named Pathfinder Stars.
The 2026 National Math Stars cohort represents the second year of Iowa’s participation in the innovative mathematics support program. Last year, National Math Stars welcomed 17 Iowa students into the Voyager Stars program, and an additional 21 students were invited to participate in the expanded Pathfinder Stars pilot program, which provides 10 years of support, mentoring and parent-led events to students regardless of financial need.
Iowa’s 2026 National Math Stars are from 19 public school districts and two accredited nonpublic schools, listed below. Several school districts had multiple students selected for the program.
- Ames Community School District, Ames - 6 students
- Ankeny Community School District, Ankeny - 2 students
- Apiary Leadership Academy, Des Moines
- Audubon Community School District, Audubon
- Baxter Community School District, Baxter
- Bondurant-Farrar Community School District, Bondurant
- Boone Community School District, Boone
- Cedar Rapids Community School District, Cedar Rapids
- East Mills Community School District, Malvern
- IKM-Manning Community School District, Manning
- Iowa City Community School District, Iowa City - 7 students
- Iowa Falls Community School District, Iowa Falls
- Johnston Community School District, Johnston
- Linn-Mar Community School District, Marion - 3 students
- Marion Independent School District, Marion
- Perry Community School District, Perry
- Sioux City Community School District, Sioux City
- St. Francis of Assisi School, West Des Moines
- Twin Rivers Community School District, Bode
- Waukee Community School District, Waukee - 10 students
- West Des Moines Community School District, West Des Moines
For more information on this program opportunity, visit the National Math Stars website. Additional details on Iowa’s Math Counts Act and recent mathematics initiatives can be found on the Department’s mathematics instruction webpage.
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.