Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering
Mentoring
Background: Approximately 20 recipients receive the award each
year -- up to 10 individuals and 10 institutions. The individual award
is given to mentors who have demonstrated outstanding and sustained mentoring
and effective guidance to a significant number of students at the K-12,
undergraduate or graduate education levels. The institutional award
is given to organizations that, through institutional programming, have
enabled a substantial number of students from groups underrepresented
in science, mathematics and engineering to successfully pursue and complete
the 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 of the major goals are the production of the finest scientists and
engineers for the 21st century, and scientific literacy for all.
The Administration committed to maximizing the nation's pool of talented,
well-educated, and highly trained scientists and engineers to help achieve
those goals. This entails maintaining demonstrated excellence in the production
of scientists and engineers 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 White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy through its National Science and
Technology Council (NSTC) established the Presidential Award for
Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in recognition
of 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 Mentoring awards are administered by the
National Science Foundation. Both the individual and the institutional
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.
Related News:
- NSF PR 99-59: Presidential
Award Honors Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentors
- Summaries of the Individual and
Institutional Recipients of the 1999 Presidential Award for Excellence
in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
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