Youth Trains Mathematics

The nationwide funding program is aimed at particularly mathematically gifted students from the 7th grade onwards, who have already achieved success in competitions such as the Mathematics Olympiad or state competitions and are recommended by the state coordinators. Over a period of ten months – from April to January – the concept supports the young generation with individual correspondence circles and advanced seminars. Each cohort receives four to six letters containing challenging tasks and further study assignments, which are supervised, corrected, and evaluated by volunteer mentors. This sharpens learning strategies and gradually introduces participants to the level of nationwide mathematics competitions.

Access is by invitation only; self-application is not possible. Every March, the program invites selected students, and at the beginning of April, the first correspondence letter is sent out. From grades 8/9 onwards, two four-day seminars complement the offering, in which experienced instructors impart advanced knowledge and promote professional exchange. At the end of each seminar, a written examination takes place, the results of which are included in the overall evaluation. The combination of written correspondence and in-person phases creates a dynamic learning environment that sustainably strengthens not only mathematical skills but also perseverance and team spirit.