Douglass Project to get Presidential Award
Archived article from Oct 8, 1999
By Sandra Lanman
Rutgers will receive the prestigious 1999 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring for its Douglass Project for Rutgers Women in Math, Science and Engineering, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced Oct. 4.
Rutgers is among five institutions and 10 individuals that will be honored by President Clinton for their exemplary encouragement of minorities, women and persons with disabilities pursuing careers in scientific, engineering and technical fields. The award, administered and funded through the NSF, includes a $10,000 grant and a commemorative presidential certificate. The winners will be honored in a ceremony at the White House.
According to the NSF, the president has said that the winners "serve as examples to their colleagues and will be leaders in the national effort to train the next century of scientists, mathematicians and engineers."
"This award stands as further acknowledgment of the Douglass Project's important role in enriching the academic experiences of young women and responding to their aspirations with excellent mentors and undergraduate research opportunities that will enhance their preparation for the future," said Joseph J. Seneca, university vice president for academic affairs.
"No personal influence is as powerful, long-lasting and positive as that of a superlative mentor," said NSF Director Rita Colwell. "The mentors receiving this award are a true national resource who play a key role in defining the quality of our nation's future human resources in science, mathematics, technology and engineering."
Established at Douglass College in 1986 by Ellen F. Mappen, the Douglass Project encourages women to study, explore and pursue careers in science and technical fields. In addition to peer and faculty mentoring, undergraduate research, internships and academic enrichment programs for college women, the Douglass Project has served more than 900 New Jersey high school girls through the Douglass Science Institute, a three-year, hands-on summer program.
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