Introducing Infinite Sums, A National Initiative Celebrating Mathematics

Many people see math as something necessary, but not always enjoyable. And it’s true — math can be hard. But so can many things we enjoy in our culture: sports, music, art. All these things require practice and patience, yet can be joyful and even profound experiences. We believe the same is true of math.

That’s why we’re launching Infinite Sums, the newest national initiative from the Simons Foundation’s Science, Society & Culture division. Across the United States, we will bring the beauty inherent in math to life through cultural experiences, spanning both rural and urban communities. We’re working with parents and caregivers, artists and cultural influencers, and more. We will convene, connect and support organizations and individuals through events, grantmaking and community-building efforts.

Math has been a cornerstone of the Simons Foundation since it began over 30 years ago. Our co-founder Jim Simons was a brilliant mathematician who spoke of math not just as the bedrock of science, but also as something profoundly beautiful.

Over the years, we have supported math research across the world along with impactful math engagement programs. As a foundation, we were instrumental in starting Math for America and are the publishers of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Quanta Magazine. We have ongoing partnerships with after-school programs such as BEAM and The Calculus Project that support the next generation of mathematicians. For those who love math, the Simons Foundation has always been a place to seek support and fellowship.

But we know there is still a gap between math and broader society and culture. Yes, math can be hard, but finding new entry points shouldn’t be. So how can we build on-ramps for people to begin exploring the full spectrum of math?

With Infinite Sums, we’re collaborating with partners who do not immediately identify as ‘math people’ and providing them with tools and resources to help reshape their relationship to math. These math ambassadors have deep connections in their communities and are building culturally relevant programs that resonate with the communities they serve.

Together with our partners, many of whom we forged relationships with for our In the Path of Totality initiative surrounding the 2024 total solar eclipse, we will work to create new experiences for people to find their own connection to math. This work will look different in Eagle Pass, Texas, or Bangor, Maine, than in Duluth, Minnesota, or Spencer, Indiana. And that’s by design. Local organizers will lead the work to ensure it is truly rooted in place.

Infinite Sums will expand who gets to create math engagement opportunities. We think that will ultimately change the trajectory of how math is experienced and perceived. We hope you’ll join us on the journey.

Ivvet Modinou is the senior vice president of Science, Society & Culture at the Simons Foundation.