This letter is to call your attention to upcoming changes to the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) program anticipated for FY 2012. PAESMEM, a White House program that has been managed by the National Science Foundation since 1996, will undergo significant changes resulting from recommendations made by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in consultation with NSF staff in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR). These changes will make the current solicitation (NSF 10-520) obsolete. The most important change will make eligible any US citizen or permanent resident who has done exemplary measurable mentoring of students, whether or not they are affiliated with an institution that can typically receive NSF funds.

It is anticipated that the due date for the 2012 competition will be the last Wednesday in October. At least three months before the due date, EHR plans to issue an announcement to replace the current solicitation. The announcement will be posted on the NSF website and will contain detailed instructions for preparing and submitting applications to the PAESMEM program. Those planning to submit applications are encouraged to consult the NSF PAESMEM program website: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5473&org=DUE&from=home for updates.