Important information for proposers

All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in this funding opportunity and in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets these requirements. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement.

New Administration Process for PAESMEM

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) is one of two programs administered under NSF’s Excellence Awards in Science and Engineering (EASE) program.   The other EASE program is the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The PAESMEM was created in 1995 to identify and recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed outstanding efforts in mentoring, and have enhanced the participation of individuals from historically underrepresented groups and disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds who might not otherwise have considered or have access to opportunities in STEM disciplines and professions. Historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in STEM fields include African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers the awards program on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). OSTP selects both individuals and organizations to receive the honor. Each Presidential Awardee receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a $10,000 award from NSF. Awardees are honored at an award ceremony which takes place in Washington, D.C.

PAESMEM is no longer offered through a NSF issued solicitation requiring a NSF ID and Fastlane proposal submission.  The PAESMEM is now administered as an application activity apart from NSF’s Fastlane business system.  PAESMEM is collaboratively managed by NSF and an outside Contractor.  Please go to https://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/good-bye?https://paesmem.net/ for information on how to apply for this prestigious award.

The PAESMEM activity falls under NSF's core value of inclusiveness – seeking and embracing contributions from all sources, including underrepresented groups, regions, and institutions.   The individuals and organizations that have received this distinguished Presidential recognition serve as exemplars to their colleagues and are leaders in the national effort to develop more fully the nation's human resources in STEM.

Individuals and organizations in all public and private sectors are eligible for PAESMEM awards, including industry, academia, K-12, military and government, non-profit organizations, and foundations.  Exceptional STEM or STEM-related mentoring in both formal and/or informal settings is eligible for the PAESMEM award. Applications are encouraged from all geographical regions in the U.S. including its territories and particularly jurisdictions designated by Congress under NSF's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

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