DES MOINES — MATHCOUNTS is a national math enrichment, coaching and competition program that increases enthusiasm for and enhances achievement in Iowa’s middle school mathematics. The sixth, seventh and eighth grade student competitors are attracted to the MATHCOUNTS program because it provides them with an exciting and challenging forum for math achievements and rewards them for their accomplishments.

Best known for its signature initiative, MATHCOUNTS distributes free curricula and promotional materials to each of the middle schools in Iowa. Teachers and volunteers will begin to work with their students, building their math and critical thinking skills. During February 2013, teams of students proceed through regional competitions followed by the state competition that will be conducted Friday, March 22, 2013, at the Olmsted Center of Drake University. The results from the state competition will determine the top four individuals and top coach who will represent Iowa at the National MATHCOUNTS competition at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C., from May 9-12, 2013.

In Iowa, the MATHCOUNTS program is made possible through the sponsorship of the Iowa Engineering Foundation and the Iowa Engineering Society. By working together, parents, teachers, engineers and business people can and will make a difference for the future of children.