Young Scholars Programs
Whether they become scientists, engineers, or entrepreneurs, young people with mathematical talent need to be nurtured. Curiosity needs encouragement; skill needs praise; vision needs development. A lifelong passion for mathematics grows from youthful enthusiasm.

For many, that enthusiasm was nurtured in a summer program for talented, enthusiastic high school students. Creating such programs and sustaining them have become increasingly difficult. These mathematics programs have provided a crucial first experience in mathematics and are often held on college or university campuses, sustained by one or two dedicated faculty who have both vision and energy. While funding comes from many sources - universities, corporations, and agencies, raising funds requires a great deal of effort. Student tuition often discourages some of the most able students, especially those who come from disadvantaged groups. Faculty and students need support from the mathematics community. View the Epsilon Fund brochure.

AMS Support
In 1999, the American Mathematical Society created a program to provide that support. Each year the Society awards grants on a competitive basis to selected summer programs for student scholarships and other expenses. While these AMS grants cover only a small portion of the total costs, they can make a large difference in attracting additional funding. And for students who receive a scholarship, the money often makes the difference between attending or not -- a difference that may affect the rest of their lives. In 2009, ten young scholars programs received grants from the AMS totaling US$100,000. That brings the total for nine summers to 83 awards amounting to US$835,000. The goal is to increase the annual amount and to sustain this effort in years to come.

Current Epsilon Awards

The Epsilon Fund
These grants will have the most effect if they are secure for the future. The only way to accomplish this is to create an endowment that will produce sufficient income for future support. This kind of guaranteed support allows existing programs to point to a long-term commitment from AMS when dealing with other sponsors. It encourages people to create new programs and it sends the message to all that the mathematics community cares about these programs.

For this reason the Society has created the Epsilon Fund ("Epsilon" was a term used by the late Paul Erdos for young mathematicians), and designated it as an endowment for the Society's support of young scholars programs. The AMS Epsilon Fund for Young Scholars has been funded by contributions of AMS members and friends; this endowment will provide at least US$100,000 in support each summer. An endowment is a sure way to provide continuing support --support that grows with inflation over time.

You Can Make A Difference
There is no better way for the mathematics research community to invest in its future. Hundreds of our present research mathematicians had their first mathematical experience in such summer programs; thousands of scientists and professionals learned about mathematics in this way. While the Society will continue to invest in this program, the only certain way to ensure long-term support is to create an endowment. We need your help to build the Epsilon Fund for the future. Your contribution will make a real difference.