News Release

AMS EPSILON FUND MAKES AWARDS

March 1, 2001

PROVIDENCE, RI: The AMS has chosen eight summer mathematics programs to receive Epsilon grants for activities in the summer of 2001. The grants will support program expenses and student scholarships and, in some cases, scholarships only.

The programs receiving grants are: All Girls/All Math (University of Nebraska, Lincoln), Mathcamp (Port Huron, MI), Michigan Math & Science Scholars (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor), Mathematics Scholars Academy (Oklahoma State University, Stillwater), Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (Amherst, MA), PROMYS (Boston University), University of Chicago Young Scholars Program, and the Ross Mathematics Program (Ohio State University, Columbus). A selection committee, chaired by Joel Spencer of the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, chose the programs based on mathematical excellence and enthusiasm. Award amounts were governed by the varying financial needs of each program and totaled $80,000.

The AMS Epsilon Fund for Young Scholars was established in 1999 to provide financial assistance to summer programs for mathematically talented high school students in the United States. For many years, these programs have provided mathematically talented youngsters with their first serious mathematical experiences. The name for the fund was chosen in remembrance of the late Paul Erdös, who was fond of calling children "epsilons".

The grants for summer 2001 are paid for by the Society's Program Development Fund. The AMS has begun an effort to raise an endownment for the Epsilon Fund and has pledged $500,000 to get the endowment started. The hope is to build the endowment to around $2 million, through individual donations and grants from foundations. Once the Epsilon Fund endowment has reached the targeted amount, the AMS intends to award a total of $100,000 in Epsilon grants each year.

For further information about the Epsilon Fund for Young Scholars, visit www.ams.org/development/epsilon/, email development@ams.org, or telephone 800-321-4267, ext. 4111, or 401-455-4111. Information about how to apply for Epsilon grants is available at www.ams.org/employment/epsilon. A fairly comprehensive listing of summer programs for mathematically talented high school students (both those with and without Epsilon grants) is available at www.ams.org/employment/mathcamps.html.

Founded in 1888 to further mathematical research and scholarship, the 30,000-member American Mathematical Society fulfills its mission through programs and services that promote mathematical research and its uses, strengthen mathematical education, and foster awareness and appreciation of mathematics and its connections to other disciplines and to everyday life.