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PROJECT EXPLORATION WINS PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR MENTORING YOUTH IN SCIENCE Related Coverage
January 6, 2010 National Science Foundation January 4, 2010 December 30, 2009 July 17, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15, 2009 Contact: President Obama has named Project Exploration one of the 2009 recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), the White House announced last week. Project Exploration was one of only three organizations cited, and the only one in from Illinois; 19 individuals were also recognized. “The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, awarded each year to individuals or organizations, recognizes the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering and who belong to minorities that are underrepresented in those fields,” the White House announcement said. “By offering their time, encouragement and expertise to these students, mentors help ensure that the next generation of scientists and engineers will better reflect the diversity of the United States.” Project Exploration is a nonprofit science education organization that works to ensure communities traditionally overlooked by science—particularly minority youth and girls—have access to personalized experiences with science and scientists, regardless of academic achievement. Through long-term relationships and hands-on programs, Project Exploration gets students interested in science, keeps them interested, and equips them with what they need to pursue science. “It’s an incredible thrill to have our work recognized at a national level,” says Project Exploration Cofounder and Executive Director Gabrielle Lyon. “Every day that we bring minority youth and girls together with passionate scientists, we take a step forward in the much-needed work to level the playing field in science. This award validates the extraordinary efforts of the students and scientists we work with.” “This Presidential Award recognizes the absolutely critical role of science education in the future of our country and planet,” adds Project Exploration Cofounder, paleontologist, and University of Chicago professor Dr. Paul Sereno. “The award salutes Project Exploration's mission to ensure that the next generation of scientists mirrors the gender and diversity of our people.” To win the award, Project Exploration submitted a narrative describing how its programs have drawn a significant number of students from underrepresented populations to successfully pursue science. Project Exploration will receive its award this fall in ceremonies that will include a visit to the White House, and will also receive a grant of $10,000 to advance its mentoring efforts. The full content of the White House press release can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Honors-Outstanding-Science-Math-Engineering-Teachers-And-Mentors/. |
