MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge

The M3 Challenge is a free, entirely internet-based math modeling competition in which teams of three to five high school juniors and seniors (and sixth-form students in England and Wales) spend a flexible 14-hour window solving a real-world problem released during Challenge weekend. Top teams receive college scholarship awards: $20,000 for the champion team, $15,000 for runner-up, $10,000 for third place, and $5,000 for each of three finalist teams, with awards split among team members. Total scholarships exceed $100,000, and finalists earn an expense-paid trip to New York City to present.

Juniors are explicitly eligible, making this a strong option for students a year before their senior-year scholarship season. There are no registration or participation fees; teams register with a teacher-coach from their school.

Registration closes in late February each year (February 23 in 2026), with Challenge weekend shortly after.