Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)?

PAESMEM is a National Science Foundation (NSF) discretionary grant opportunity that recognizes outstanding mentoring in STEM. It is specifically focused on mentoring efforts that measurably increase participation in STEM among groups that have been historically underrepresented: women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.

What is the main purpose of this NSF opportunity?

The core purpose is to identify and elevate mentoring that is sustained, effective, and demonstrably beneficial to a significant number of students. The program is designed to spotlight mentors and proven mentoring approaches, positioning awardees as visible leaders and role models in a national effort to strengthen the U.S. STEM pipeline and develop the nation’s STEM human resources.

Is PAESMEM about research results or mentoring outcomes?

Based on the CFDA listing (47.076, Education and Human Resources) and the description provided, the emphasis is on education- and workforce-development impacts achieved through mentoring, rather than purely technical research outcomes.

Which groups does PAESMEM prioritize in terms of increased STEM participation?

The opportunity prioritizes mentoring that increases STEM participation among historically underrepresented groups, specifically women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.

What type of grant is this and what activity category does it fall under?

This opportunity uses the grant instrument and falls under the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" activity category.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number and NSF publication identifier for this listing?

The listing provided is Funding Opportunity Number 10-520 and NSF Publication 10-520.

How many awards were anticipated and what was the estimated total funding level?

NSF anticipated making up to 16 awards, with an estimated total funding level of $400,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity explicitly notes that it does not require cost sharing or matching.

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Eligibility is centered on individual nominees. A nominee must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must be affiliated with an organization that is eligible to receive NSF awards (such as many colleges, universities, nonprofits, and similar institutions).

Are federal government employees eligible to be nominated?

No. Federal government employees are not eligible for nomination under the information provided.

Does the nominee need an organizational affiliation?

Yes. The nominee must be affiliated with an organization that is eligible to receive NSF awards.

What is the minimum mentoring track record required?

Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding and sustained mentoring over at least five years.

What education levels can the mentoring cover?

The mentoring may involve underrepresented students at one or more levels, including K-12, undergraduate, or graduate education.

Does PAESMEM require mentoring to reach a certain number of students?

Yes in principle. The description states mentoring should be demonstrably beneficial to a significant number of students and must involve effective guidance for a significant number of underrepresented students.

Does the program value "good intentions" or isolated mentoring activities?

No. The program description explicitly distinguishes PAESMEM from awards that might recognize intent or isolated activities. It aims to identify mentoring efforts that are sustained, effective, and supported by measurable outcomes.

For individual nominations, how should the mentoring impact be presented?

For individual nominations, the materials must clearly separate the nominee’s personal mentoring achievements from the broader accomplishments of the institution or organization. This distinction is emphasized as important in how the nomination is framed and evaluated.

When was this opportunity posted and what was the proposal deadline?

This listing was originally posted on December 23, 2009, and the full proposal deadline was March 23, 2010.

Is this specific listing currently accepting proposals?

No. The information provided states the listing is archived and no longer accepting proposals, with an archived date of June 23, 2011.

Does the record mention anything about recurring or annual cycles?

Yes. The record notes an annual cycle tied to the first Wednesday in October in later years. However, the specific listing provided is archived, so applicants would need to find the current PAESMEM solicitation if the program is active under a newer publication number and updated deadlines.

What should applicants do if they cannot access the announcement electronically?

NSF directs applicants to contact Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov for assistance with accessing the announcement electronically.

What is the broader national strategy connection described for PAESMEM?

The program is described as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the U.S. STEM pipeline by elevating proven mentors as national examples. By spotlighting awardees and their methods, PAESMEM aims to help inform and inspire other programs and institutions and support fuller development of the nation’s STEM human resources.