Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering
Mentoring
Background: Up to 10 individuals and 10 institutions may be
selected to receive the annual Presidential Award for Excellence in Science,
Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). Individual mentors demonstrate
outstanding and sustained mentoring and effective guidance to a significant
number of students at the K-12, undergraduate or graduate education levels.
Institutional presidential mentors are organizations that, through their
programs, have enabled a substantial number of students from groups underrepresented
in science, mathematics and engineering to successfully pursue and complete
relevant degree programs.
History: Science in the National Interest, a 1994 national
policy document on science and technology, articulated several goals
as part of the Clinton Administration's effort to propel the nation into
the 21st century on a strong scientific and technological foundation.
Two major goals of the document are: to produce of the finest scientists
and engineers for the 21st century; and, attain scientific literacy for
all.
The Administration's commitment is to maximize the nation's pool of
talented, well-educated and highly trained scientists and engineers to
help achieve the major goals of Science in the National Interest.
This commitment includes a demonstrated effort to produce scientists
and engineers in greater quantity and quality by actively increasing
the participation of talent that draws fully on all racial/cultural segments
of the nation's population.
Rationale for the Mentoring Program: The President - through the
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) - established PAESMEM to
recognize the critical importance played by visible role models, and
the power of mentors to affect the development of talent among groups
traditionally underrepresented in science, mathematics and engineering.
The awards are implemented by NSTC's Committee on Education and Training.
They recognize outstanding mentoring efforts and programs that have enhanced
the participation of individuals from underrepresented groups (minorities,
women and persons with disabilities). The awardees serve as role models
and leaders in the national effort to develop more fully the nation's
human resources in science, mathematics and engineering.
Administration: The PAESMEM program is administered by the National
Science Foundation. Both the individual and the institutional mentoring
awards include a $10,000 grant to go along with a presidential commemorative
certificate. The monetary award is to be directed back into the recognized
mentoring activity.
See also press release.
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