2026 Year of Math Program Offerings
The 2026 Year of Mathematics, facilitated by the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences, has as a goal to bring the power and beauty of mathematics directly into local communities through accessible, high-impact programming.
We invite public libraries, community centers, and local schools to take advantage of the opportunity to host any of the 2026 Year of Math program offerings below.
The Year of Mathematics 2026 also invites community organizations, schools, museums, libraries, universities, and individuals to propose events that celebrate the beauty, relevance, and significance of mathematics in everyday life and across our society.
Film Screenings
(available throughout 2026)
The Film screenings require a modest $37 licensing fee. Learn more about how to host a screening.
We wish to acknowledge the support of two organizations in the production of the films generously offered for this outreach program by Zala Films.
Major support for the Journeys of Black Mathematicians films was organized by the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath).
The National Association of Mathematicians, Inc. (NAM) is a professional nonprofit organization that plays a critical role in advancing education, service, and scholarly research within the mathematics community of the United States. Since its founding in 1969, NAM’s success has been due to the contributions of many volunteers from its founders, members, supporters, key stakeholders, and partners. Johnny L. Houston, Chairperson of NAM’s Historical and Archival Committee (NAM-HAC) and one of NAM’s founders, serves as primary advisor and consultant to Zala Films for Journeys of Black Mathematicians. Many of the mathematicians and mathematics educators featured in the film series are past or current members of NAM. To learn more about NAM, its signature programs, and their 2026 Giving Campaign, visit nam-math.org.
Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience
(2024, 58 min.)
The first of two documentary films produced by Zala Films, Forging Resilience traces the evolution of a culture of Black scholars, scientists and educators. The film follows the stories of prominent pioneers, showing how the challenges they faced, and their triumphs are reflected in the experiences of today’s working Black mathematicians. The film offers a panoramic survey starting with the first Black Ph.D, Edward Bouchet (1877), and W. W. S. Claytor, extraordinary exemplars from the early and mid-20th century who prepared the way for several of the trailblazers filmed for this project. The oldest of these is Virginia K. Newell (born in 1917), followed by Evelyn Boyd Granville, the second Black woman to earn her PhD in mathematics, who died in 2023 at the age of 99.
Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Creating Pathways
(2025, 59 min.)
Creating Pathways is the second of two documentary films produced by Zala Films as part of the Journeys of Black Mathematicians project. It highlights the lives of Black pioneers in mathematics from the 20th century and examines the impact of segregation and prejudice on the lives and careers of individuals first featured in Forging Resilience. The film focuses on the stories of mathematicians who attended predominantly White institutions, surveying a range of attitudes around identity, and on these scholars’ achievements. Questions about the beauty and philosophical meanings of mathematics are explored as extensions of these personal journeys. In the final minutes, several programs aimed at increasing the number of African Americans in the STEM fields are documented.
Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani
(2020, 60 min.)
This film examines the life and mathematical work of Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian immigrant to the United States who became a superstar in her field. In 2014, she was both the first woman and the first Iranian to be honored by mathematics’ highest prize, the Fields Medal. Her mathematical colleagues from around the world, as well as former teachers, classmates, and students in Iran today, convey the deep impact of her achievements. The path of her education, success on Iran’s Math Olympiad team, and her brilliant work, make Mirzakhani an ideal role model for girls looking toward careers in science and mathematics.
Adult Financial Literacy Sessions (coming soon)
(Sessions available beginning April 2026)
The Adult Financial Literacy Sessions are free. Learn more about how to host a session.
We wish to express our gratitude to the Society of Actuaries (SOA) for their volunteer session leaders and to the Financial Life Cycle Education Corp (FiCycle) for the session program and volunteer training.
Math and the Game of Finance: Using Math to Understanding Wealth, Time, Risk & Value
We begin by talking about how math helps us understand, ask the right questions, and find better solutions about our own financial lives by exploring and learning about wealth, time, risk, and value.
Then we break down the four components of wealth: assets, liabilities, income, and expenses and the equations that connect these concepts. Through accessible examples and activities, participants will learn to speak and think about their financial situation with precision.
We’ll dive into the mathematics of risk: we will learn what risk is, how to measure it, and why it matters. Through an interactive game we will learn how insurance can be used as a tool for managing uncertainty as we navigate our financial lives.
Participants will leave with a greater understanding of personal finance, the underlying math, and a more informed way of thinking about wealth, financial decision-making, and their financial lives.
How to Host a Film Screening or Literacy Session
If you are interested in hosting one of these programs, please fill out and submit your request using our Event Hosting Request Form. We look forward to responding promptly to your inquiry.
You can also download a printable version of this page to share with others: Year of Math 2026 Programs Pitch Letter (PDF)
Community Proposals and Year of Math Calendar Requests
The Year of Mathematics 2026 invites universities, schools, museums, libraries, community organizations, and individuals to host or propose events that celebrate the beauty, relevance, and significance of mathematics in everyday life and across our society.
Approved events will be featured on the official YoM 2026 website and social media channels. We welcome all forms of engagement, including in-person and virtual events, from math circles and public lectures to art installations and storytelling nights.
Submit your proposal using the Community Proposals and Year of Math Calendar Requests Form. Events will be evaluated on their alignment with the YoM 2026 mission, as well as their creativity, inclusivity, community reach, and ability to highlight the significance of mathematics.