Title  : NSF SUPPORTS PBS "BREAKTHROUGH" SERIES
Type   : Press Release
NSF Org: OD / LPA
Date   : December 26, 1996
File   : pr964


Bill Noxon                                  January 26, 1996
(703) 306-1070                                   NSF PR 96-4

           NSF SUPPORTS PBS "BREAKTHROUGH" SERIES

           NSF Funds Substantial Portion of Tribute to
      Scientists, Engineers of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds

   The National Science Foundation is supporting more than
half of the 20 American scientists and engineers whose
successful careers will be highlighted in a six-hour, prime
time Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) series,
"Breakthrough: The Changing Face of Science in America."

  The "Breakthrough" project has received a grant of nearly
$1.8 million from NSF's Informal Science Education Program.
Eleven of the scientists and engineers portrayed in the
series also have received education or research grants from
the agency.

     NSF supports all aspects of non-medical science,
mathematics and engineering, through grants to support basic
research, as well as formal and informal science education
at all levels.
     "We're excited about this project.  Not only does the
series focus on the scientists' successes in their work, but
it dramatically presents how these individuals of such
diverse backgrounds had to overcome challenges to achieve
their goals," Hyman Field, Section Head for Science Literacy
at NSF, said.


   "The ‘Breakthrough' series also provides the motivation
and the resources to engage students, teachers, guidance
counselors and a whole range of community leaders," Field
continued.  "There is a substantial, wide-ranging outreach
component to the project that is very important as well."

   After each program in the "Breakthrough" series, a toll
free number will appear which viewers can call.  They will
receive specific information about informal science
activities, science mentoring resources, science career
information and scholarships available across the country.

   An activity guide will also be made available to teachers
and students nationally as part of the NSF-supported
outreach effort.  NSF has also  provided support for a data
base of several hundred scientists from various ethnic
origins whose names will be available to the media as
experts for science related stories.

     "Breakthrough" will contribute to NSF's important goals
of ensuring broad access to science, mathematics,
engineering and technology educational opportunities, and
helping every American to become educated citizens and live
fulfilling, productive lives.
                            -end-





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