By: Cassidy Delamarter, USF College of Education
This year marks a major milestone: the return of the in-person high school math bowl at the University of South Florida — the first since the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to high interest, USF expanded the math bowl to welcome middle schoolers for the first time as well. Between the two bowls, nearly a thousand students participated.
The USF College of Education is proud to host both bowls in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, the College of Arts and Sciences department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Coalition for Science Literacy and the USF Math Club.
“The math bowls stimulate students academically and cognitively, promote socialization and teamwork, develop self-confidence and personal growth as STEM professionals, and provide an opportunity to stand out academically in future scholarship and professional pursuits,” said Ruthmae Sears, professor in mathematics education and associate director of the Coalition for Science Literacy.
By engaging students at a younger age, the hope is to create early enthusiasm for mathematics and recruit some of the region’s brightest minds to pursue STEM pathways at the university level and beyond.
"It took some adjusting and changes to how we’ve done things before, but with USF’s partnership and awesome support from colleagues across the district, we were able to turn the dream of bringing our students back together for an in-person competition into reality," said Elise Tanner, academic services 6-8 mathematics supervisor for Hillsborough County Public Schools. "We truly appreciate USF’s collaboration in creating an unforgettable math experience for our students."
In total, approximately 475 middle school students and 450 high school students participated across both events.
The bowls began with individual rounds, where students independently tackle rigorous mathematical problems designed to assess their competencies, accuracy and speed. Quick thinking is essential — participants must analyze, calculate and respond under time pressure.
Then, groups of up to four students work together to solve complex mathematical tasks, communicating strategies, defending reasoning and building on one another’s ideas. The event culminates in an awards ceremony recognizing top performers.
For many students, math bowl is more than a contest — it’s the moment they realize just how far their love of numbers can take them. "You’ve got to be inspired by their hard work and enthusiasm for mathematics," said Kelley Schuler, assistant director of the Coalition for Science Literacy. "It is a good opportunity for the students to experience a bit of college life and what USF has to offer."
Middle School Winners from February 4, 2026:
- 1st Walker Middle
- 2nd Wilson Middle
- 3rd Benito Middle
High School Winners from February 27, 2026:
- 1st King HS
- 2nd Sickles HS
- 3rd Strawberry Crest HS
