Philadelphia, PA – Moody’s Mega Math (M3) Challenge opens registration today across the U.S. Originally offered only in the New York City metropolitan area, the competition has extended its eligibility area nearly every year and is now nationwide for the first time in its eleven-year history with the addition of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii, as well as all U.S. territories and DoDEA schools.

The free, Internet-based competition promotes applied math modeling to high school juniors and seniors by requiring that they collaborate with teammates to come up with a solution to a relevant, relatable, real-world problem. Top teams have the opportunity to win part of $150,000 in scholarships this spring.

The competition’s national expansion is an exciting step for STEM education according to Michelle Montgomery, project director for the M3 Challenge. “Now that the Challenge is national, more students will have the opportunity to use practical strategies to solve important issues under severe time constraints—circumstances they may face as working adults.” Montgomery adds, “Our goal is to afford as many students as possible the opportunity to experience first-hand how math provides a foundation for good decision making and insight in a variety of scientific disciplines.”

Previous years’ challenge questions included quantifying issues such as how to make school lunches affordable, nutritious, and delicious; national recycling strategies; selecting investment plans and maximizing net profit of the stock market; and whether higher education is “worth it.”

“The M3 Challenge is not only a great way for students to see the value and usefulness of their math classes, it also shows how essential the process of math modeling is and that it can lead to rewarding academic and career paths,” said Montgomery.

Recent research from the U.S. Department of Education shows only 16% of American high school seniors are proficient in math and interested in STEM careers, yet by 2022, STEM jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow to 9 million. The M3 Challenge gives students the opportunity to experience first-hand the vital role applied math plays in society, and encourages them to pursue degrees and careers in these important and rewarding fields.

This year’s M3 Challenge weekend is February 27-28, 2016. Learn more and register your team at http://m3challenge.siam.org/.