Press Release 98-049
Presidential Awards Honor Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring

September 10, 1998

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

The White House today announced ten individuals and eight institutions as recipients of the 1998 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, a three-year-old award administered and funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF). The awardees were honored by President Clinton at a ceremony in the White House.

The awards recognize outstanding individual efforts and organizational programs designed to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in mathematics, engineering, and science in kindergarten-12th grade and through the graduate level.

In 1994, the Clinton Administration's science policy blueprint, Science in the National Interest, stated goals to produce the best-trained scientists and engineers for the 21st century and to enhance scientific and technological literacy of all Americans. The presidential mentoring awards are an outgrowth of these goals.

"Just as the awarding of the Nobel Prize ensures that we honor major accomplishments in science, this mentoring award helps ensure that we will have a well-trained workforce in science, mathematics, and engineering and citizens well prepared for the challenges of the 21st century," said NSF director Rita Colwell.

Up to 10 individuals and 10 institutions annually may qualify for the award, which includes a $10,000-grant and a commemorative presidential certificate.

The mentoring awards recognize a long-term commitment to providing opportunities for greater participation in science and engineering by all Americans. This year's awardees were selected from among 44 nominees for the individual awards and from among 13 institutional nominations.

-NSF-

1998 WINNERS

Individuals:

Institutions:

AT&T Laboratories, New Jersey

Bryn Mawr College - Department of Physics, Pennsylvania

Stevens Institute of Technology - Office of Women's Programs, New Jersey

Times2, Inc. - To Improve Mathematics, Engineering & Science Studies, Rhode Island

University of California-Berkeley - Coalition for Excellence & Diversity in Mathematics, Science & Engineering

University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Department of Mathematics & Statistics

University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill - Mathematics & Science Education Network - Pre-college Program

University of Washington - Women in Engineering Initiative

Media Contacts
Lee Herring, NSF (703) 292-8070 kherring@nsf.gov

Program Contacts
Roosevelt Calbert, NSF (703) 292-8640 rcalbert@nsf.gov

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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