NSF Math Bee is a nation-wide competition among the children of Indian American community. It is aimed at nurturing mathematical skills among children attending grades 1 thru 10, in a challenging environment. Math Bee was begun in 2004 as a pilot and was expanded to all centers in 2005.

Proficiency in mathematics can be personally satisfying and empowering. The underpinnings of everyday life increasingly involve mathematics and technology.Mathematics is one of the greatest cultural and intellectual achievements of humankind, and the children should develop an appreciation and understanding of that achievement.India has produced several great mathematicians like Ramanujan, Aryabhatta, Bhaskara, and Brahmagupta.Just as the level of mathematics needed for enlightened citizenship has increased dramatically, so too has the level of mathematical thinking and problem solving needed in the workplace, in almost all professional areas.Although all careers require a foundation of mathematical knowledge, some are more mathematics intensive. More students must pursue an educational path that will prepare them for lifelong work as mathematicians, statisticians, engineers, computer programmers and scientists. Further, Math Bee will better prepare children to take standardized tests like PLUS, PSAT, SAT I, SAT II and ACT.

The contests are conducted every year in two steps. First, children participate in a regional contest, conducted in various states throughout USA. Qualified winners of the regional contests are invited to participate in the National Finals. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each contest at the Nationals are awarded scholarships of $1,000, $500, and $250 respectively, redeemable in the winners' freshman year of college.

The Math bee is open to children of Indian origin in grades 1 to 10.  Younger children are encouraged to participate, on equal basis, solely with the aim of familiarizing them with the contest.

There are several goals for conducting the Math Bee. To enumerate a few:

• To introduce important Mathematical concepts
• To make Mathematics an easier subject to learn and excel from early on
• To better prepare for excelling in college entrance exams like the SAT/ACT
• To stimulate enthusiasm and a love for Mathematics
• To teach major strategies for problem solving
• To develop Mathematical flexibility in solving problems
• To strengthen Mathematical intuition
• To foster Mathematical creativity and ingenuity
• To provide for the satisfaction, joy, and thrill of meeting challenges
• To meet other students of Indian origin and develop friendship

Math Bee is split into 4 levels based on grade. The grade eligibility is determined as of February 1.  For more details, please see contest rules.