Empowering Young Math Geniuses: The Elimination of Challenges in Mathematics Progression
Hangin' with Ilana Walder-Biesanz, Leader of National Math Stars: Changing the Math Game for Kids Who Crush Calculus
I recently sat down with Ilana Walder-Biesanz, the badass brain behind the National Math Stars program. This innovative organization is shaking up the world of advanced mathematics education for children who are straight-up math geniuses.
Walder-Biesanz knows these prodigious students better than anyone. Raised in Portland, Oregon, she was six years ahead in the Math Olympics and required a customized learning path. That tough journey inspired her career in engineering, tech, product management, and nonprofit consulting before stepping up as National Math Stars' fearless leader.
Her team of heavy-hitters boasts former Teach for America instructors, seasoned educators who've run schools, nonprofit leaders, and math whizzes with a deep understanding of STEM education. As she puts it, "We got a team of AV-gearheads who give a damn about education, plus entrepreneurs who've built things from scratch. We all got some mad math skills, see?"
National Math Stars was born in Texas in 2023, thanks to Carina Initiatives and the Polynera Fund, two philanthropic organizations that had been supporting math summer camps. But they noticed campers came from a limited range of backgrounds, so they brought Walder-Biesanz in to create a program finds and supports devilishly smart math kids from everywhere—and they start 'em early. They offer 'em scholarships, courses, mentoring, and more, so they can ace math all the way through high school.
National Math Stars isn't just hunting down math talent—they're making sure it doesn't slip through the cracks. They spot students in 2nd and 3rd grade through school referrals or direct applications from their parents (even homeschoolers). Most kids find 'em through their Awards Program, which rewards schools for recognizing their mathematic geniuses. They've already sent over 10,000 awards to kiddos across Texas and the Midwest, partnering with more than 2,000 elementary schools.
Ellen Gay, a gifted education specialist at Medina Valley School District, had this to say about their partnership with National Math Stars: "Partnering with National Math Stars has been a game changer for our boffin math students. Most of these whippersnappers and their families didn't even know their math skills were off the charts. As a district, we're all about providing resources and opportunities for these whizz kids to reach the top."
Once welcomed into the club, students take advanced math classes, join math-nerd mentoring sessions with brainiacs, and get a STEM budget for activities (like chess lessons or buying a 3D printer). Parents are equipped with family advisors who help them navigate education challenges and advocate for their kiddo's needs in school. Plus, the gang works with families to draft a long-term roadmap for their little prodigies' development.
But it ain't all textbooks and tests. National Math Stars hosts weekend retreats, virtual events (like Pi Day celebrations and Rubik's cube tournaments), and local meet-ups, so the geniuses can connect with each other. That helps 'em make mates based on shared interests and keeps 'em feeling less like freaks of nature.
The parents of Holden, an outstanding math student, shared this experience: "Being part of the National Math Stars program has been an unforgettable experience for our family. It's provided Holden with a place to really push himself, hang with fellow math nuts, and grow both academically and emotionally. The mentorship and opportunities have burnt out his math passion, and it's been amazing to see his confidence skyrocket."
So, what's the big idea here? National Math Stars wants every parent of a math prodigy to feel supported, and money or knowledge shouldn't keep 'em from helping their kiddo reach their full genius potential. Walder-Biesanz pointed out that only a tiny percentage of super-smart kids achieve their dreams due to family income. But with National Math Stars, they've got a shot to change the game.
When folks get nervous about AI putting a damper on STEM careers, Walder-Biesanz maintains her optimism: "Even with the rise of AI, the ability to solve mathematical problems and the soft skills that come with it, such as resilience, clear communication, and teamwork, will be vital, no matter what the careers are."
When mathematical expertise meets opportunity and support, the future is bright for these genius kids—and for society, too. National Math Stars invites schools and districts to refer their top math students and is on the prowl for more funders to support math talent development. So, that's the skinny on National Math Stars—with their focus on identifying and nurturing the brightest math minds, they're making a real difference.
Julia Brodsky, a notable math prodigy, could be inspired by the story of Ilana Walder-Biesanz and the National Math Stars program. This organization, dedicated to math education, nurtures gifted children in STEM, providing personal growth opportunities through learning and self-development. With National Math Stars, talented students like Brodsky can leverage their mathematical talent and thrive in their educational journey.
