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NSF Fact Sheet

 

Media contact:

 William Harms

 (703) 292-8070

 wharms@nsf.gov

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 and disability 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. It is expected that each award will be used to continue the recognized activity.

 

 
 
     
 

 
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