Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)

Within this solicitation, the word "proposal", "proposer", "application" or "applicant" may be used in place of the word "nomination" or "nominator." The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) accepts nominations in lieu of proposals or applications. PAESMEM is a honorific awards program and is exempt from NSF merit review criteria. See review criteria for nominations in Section VI of this solicitation.

Eligibility has been expanded. Any U. S. citizen or permanent resident who has done exemplary, measurable mentoring over a sustained 5 year period is eligible for nomination, including federal employees (with some exceptions), military employees or organizations and individuals and organizations in the private sector with outstanding mentoring programs and activities.

PAESMEM recognizes individuals for their mentoring of persons from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, women, persons with disabilities, persons from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, and early career scientists and engineers. Historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields include African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Hawaiians, and Native Alaskans.

Former recipients of the "Individual" PAESMEM award are not eligible. Former recipients of the "Organizational" PAESMEM award may apply 10 years or more after receiving an award.

Organizational nominees must demonstrate rigorous evaluation and assessment over the course of the 5 year period of sustained mentoring activities.

In 2011, the PAESMEM program changed from honorary recognition bestowed for future efforts to honorary recognition bestowed for past work. Award recipients will receive cash awards (individuals) or grants (organizational) in the amount of $10,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of the award recognition.

Instructions To Nominators: NSF recommends that you communicate directly with the individual or organization about your interest in nominating them for the award. You may also volunteer to write one of the required letters of support if they choose to submit nomination materials. Nominators may also send contact information for the nominee to PAESMEM@nsf.gov on or before August 1, 2014. NSF will send the nominee information about the program and encourage them to submit a nomination. Nominators may be listed on the nomination cover page in the Co-Principal Investigator(s) section.

For Technical Assistance, please contact the FastLane HelpDesk during the hours of 6:00 A. M. EST to 9:00 P. M. EST. Telephone: 1-800-673-6188; email: fastlane@nsf.gov. Grants.gov users may call 1-800-518-4726; email support@grants.gov.



Additional guidance on the PAESMEM award opportunity is provided in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) posted to the NSF PAESMEM website at the following URL: www.nsf.gov/PAESMEM.