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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release September 10, 1998

PRESIDENT CLINTON SEEKS GREATER DIVERSITY IN HIGH-TECH WORKFORCE AND HONORS RECIPIENTS OF 1998 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

          IN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS AND ENGINEERING MENTORING
                          September 10, 1998

Today, in a Roosevelt Room ceremony honoring the recipients of the 1998 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, President Clinton directed his National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to develop recommendations in 180 days on how to achieve greater diversity throughout the scientific and technological workforce. The NSTC will provide a roadmap to bolster mentoring in scientific and technical fields by recommending linkages and improvements to existing federal higher education programs; and to expand Federal participation with the private sector and the academic community to strengthen mentoring in higher education to ensure education and career success.

By the year 2010, about half of the teens graduating from high school and entering the workforce or college will be from minority groups. Right now, minorities, women, and persons with disabilities compose only a small fraction of our science and engineering workforce. Expansion of participation of underrepresented groups in these critical fields is crucial to fulfilling a national promise of economic prosperity for all citizens. President Clinton highlighted the success of today's award winners at encouraging minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to pursue careers in scientific and technical fields as a fine example for their colleagues and students.

The mentoring award is an outgrowth of the Clinton Administration's national science policy, "Science in the National Interest." It was created in 1996 to address two Administration goals: to produce the best scientists and engineers for the 21st century, and to raise the scientific and technological literacy of all Americans.

The mentoring award, now in its third year, recognizes outstanding achievements in mentoring and encouraging students from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in science, mathematics and engineering. The award, which includes a $10,000 grant, and a commemorative presidential certificate, is administered by the National Science Foundation.

Program of Speakers:
Neal Lane, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Representative George Brown
Rita Colwell, Director of the National Science Foundation President Clinton

See Attached Sheets for information on Award Recipients