Modeling the Future Challenge

Predict the Future and Solve Real-World Problems

The Modeling the Future Challenge (MTFC) is an academic competition developed with the Institute of Competition Sciences, a leader in challenge-based learning programs. The premise of the MTFC is simple: junior and senior high school students are challenged to develop and present their own mathematical models of how a new technology or industry might change the future. Registration is free, and students have a chance to win $60,000 worth of scholarship prizes.

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Students learn how mathematics applies to cutting-edge industries and technologies. They also learn about highly sought-after careers as actuaries and other STEM-related professional opportunities.

Get Your Hands Dirty With Analysis

Teams of one to five high school students conduct an actuarial research project in which they make recommendations to companies, organizations, government agencies or other groups based on their own mathematical models, real-world data analysis and and risk management.

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students

were involved in Modeling the Future during the 2021-2022 season, up from only 140 participants in 2017-2018.

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teams

joined the Challenge in 2021-2022, up from only 50 teams in 2017-2018.

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increase

in overall student math skills as a result of participating in the Challenge, according to 2021-2022 educators.

0%

increase

in overall student problem-solving skills as a result of participating in the Challenge, according to 2021-2022 educators.

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Phase One: Scenarios

Student teams are given a scenario description, data set and series of up to 30 questions to evaluate the team’s expertise in five areas:

Statistics and Probability Fundamentals
Projecting Trends
Modeling Data
Analyzing Risks
Making critical thinking recommendations

Teams that pass the Scenario Phase will be recognized as Modeling the Future Challenge Semi-Finalists and move on to the Project Phase of the Challenge where they conduct their own actuarial research projects.

Sample Training Scenarios

Phase Two: Project Proposals

Once your team has qualified, you will be entered into the main Project Phase of the Challenge. Each qualified team is matched with an actuarial mentor to provide high-level guidance on their project. Mentors meet virtually with teams twice during the project period.

To complete your project, you will work through five high-level steps:

Problem Identification
Data Identification
Mathematical Modeling
Risk Analysis
Recommendations

Project Proposal Examples

Modeling the Future Challenge 2022-2023 Timeline

Registration Opens Every Fall

September 12, 2022

October 20, 2022

November 11, 2022

December 2, 2022

December 12, 2022

December 15, 2022

March 3, 2023

March 22, 2023

April 24-28, 2023

Registration Opens

Virtual Student & Teacher Workshop

Registration Closes

Scenario Response & Project Proposal Due

Semifinalist Announcement

How to Meet With Mentors Webinar

Project Reports Due

Finalist Announcement

Final Videos & Papers Due

National Symposium

Modeling the Future Challenge Winners

2021-2022 | Modeling the Future Challenge Winners

First Place

Jack Chen, Collin Fan, Aadit Juneja, Aayush Kashyap, and Nathan Ma from Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois

Second Place

Ashwin Bardhwaj from Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California

Third Place

Aditya Chattopadhyay, Philip Guo, Jihwan Kim, Jason Liu, and Dhruv Pai from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland

Fourth Place

Anand Advani, Shyla Bisht, Alyssa Gorbaneva, Owen Rollins, and Lillian Sun from Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, Virginia

Modeling the Future Challenge FAQs

Have another question about the Challenge that's not already answered below? Be sure to visit the Modeling the Future Challenge competition site, or email us at challenge@mtfchallenge.org.

What is the Modeling the Future Challenge?

The MTFC is an academic challenge for high school students that combines math modeling, data analysis and risk management. It is hosted by The Actuarial Foundation with design and operations support from the Institute of Competition Sciences. The premise is simple: each year students are challenged conduct their own research project modeling real-world data to analyze risks and make recommendations.

Who can participate in the Challenge?

Is this an individual or team Challenge?

What does it take to qualify for the Challenge?

How do I register my team and submit my report?

First make sure you’re signed up to receive updates through our email newsletter. When the qualification period opens, team registration will also be open. Registration is conducted through the Institute of Competition Sciences’ management platform. When the registration period opens, click the register link on the top menu of this site to find more information about setting up your team. Reports are also submitted through the Institute of Competition Sciences’ management platform. On your team page on the dashboard of the ICS site, you will see a link to upload your qualifying scenario response during the Qualifying Phase. After your team qualifies, you will see a link to upload your report during the Project Phase.