Modeling the Future Challenge Symposium
Join us April 27 - May 1 for the 2026 Modeling the Future Challenge Virtual Symposium!
The Modeling the Future Challenge Symposium is a one-of-a-kind event bringing together finalist high school teams and leading actuaries, scientists, and business leaders from across the industry for competition, learning and networking.
The culminating event of the Modeling the Future Challenge, finalist teams who have reached the Symposium take on the role of aspiring actuaries and present their math modeling projects to a panel of actuary judges who evaluate these projects and select four teams to win their portion of a $55,000 scholarship award.
The five-day Symposium provides an immersive learning experience for students, giving them the opportunity to participate in career sessions, problem-solving activities, and other unique experiences created in partnership with the Foundation’s corporate supporters and volunteers. At its’ conclusion, four teams will walk away with college scholarships, but all of the participants will have an amazing experience that encourages them to continue pursuing mathematics, data science and research so that they can continue to “model the future.”
Modeling the Future Challenge Video Highlights
Monday, April 27, 2026, Opening Ceremony
| Time | Event | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 p.m. | Welcome | Kelly Cusick, TAF Board Chair |
| 5:40 p.m. | STEM Stars Panel | TBA |
| 6:05 p.m. | Ambassador Highlights | Moriah Sanya, Institute of Competition Sciences |
| 6:10 p.m. | Climate Resilience Finalists Recap | TBA |
| 6:15 p.m. | Team Introductions | TBA |
| 6:30 p.m. | Team Interactive Activity | MTFC University Partner |
| 6:55 p.m. | Closing Remarks | Joshua Neubert, CEO, Institute of Competition Sciences |
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Student Presentations and Judging Sessions
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m | Student Presentations and Judging Sessions |
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Student Presentations and Judging Sessions
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m | Student Presentations and Judging Sessions |
Thursday, April 30, 2026, Student Presentations and Judging Sessions
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m | Student Presentations and Judging Sessions |
Friday, May 1, 2026, Closing Ceremony
| Time | Event | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 p.m. | Opening Remarks | TBA |
| 6:05 p.m. | New University Awards | Nichole Semprit, TAF |
| 6:15 p.m. | Helen Galt Educator Award | Eleanor Galt-Lin |
| 6:20 p.m. | Judge Congratulations to All Teams | Melissa Hollis, Symposium Judge Committee |
| 6:35 p.m. | Climate Resilience Award Announcement | Sempra Foundation, Climate Resilience Award Sponsor |
| 6:45 p.m. | Save a Million Lives Award | Insurance Collaboration to Save Lives |
| 6:55 p.m. | Awards Announcement | TBA |
| 7:05 p.m. | Closing Remarks | TBA |
Please note: All times listed are Central Time.
Thank You to Our 2025-2026 Modeling the Future Challenge Sponsors
Pioneer Sponsor
Climate Resilience Award Sponsor
Pacesetter Sponsor
National Education Partner
New England Region Sponsor
Northwest Region Sponsor
Northeast Region Sponsor
Builder Sponsor
Rick & Beth Jones
Founding & Scholarship Sponsor
Roy & Georgia Goldman
Helen Galt Educator Award Supporter
