The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath), in partnership with School Library Journal (SLJ), announce a fifth cycle of a funding program aimed at getting fiction and nonfiction inspiring a love of math into the hands of K–12 students in Title I schools.

The 2023–24 Mathical Collection Development Awards will award $700 to up to 32 Title I U.S. school libraries to purchase Mathical Book Prize-winning titles for their schools.

The Mathical Book Prize is awarded annually by SLMath in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and in coordination with the Children’s Book Council. The prize is made possible with support from the Firedoll Foundation and the Guru Krupa Foundation (GKF).

The 2023-24 Mathical Collection Development Awards are generously supported by GKF, which follows a holistic approach to charitable giving, addressing a range of issues from education to basic sustenance, arts & culture, and the environment. In particular, organizations that focus on delivering complementary or supplemental programs for younger children, designed to enhance the learning experience and outcomes, form a core component of many of the Foundation’s initiatives.

To be eligible for the Mathical Collection Development Awards, schools must employ a full- or part-time librarian who meets state requirements for school library media certification and is currently employed as a media specialist, teacher librarian, or equivalent position. Winners will be determined by SLJ staff and a grant administrator.

Priority will be given to schools whose library staff demonstrate the greatest promise in using funds to advance the goals of their school library and who actively encourage students to explore math joy in their everyday lives. The diversity of geographic location and grade level of students served will be considered in the determination of a final set of winners.

The Mathical Collection Development Awards application period closes November 9. For application and reporting requirements, visit the Award page.