A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Biennial Evaluation Report - FY 93-94

Chapter 536

National Science Scholars Program

(CFDA No. 84.242)

I. Program Profile

Legislation: Excellence in Mathematics, Science and Engineering Act of 1990, Title VI, Part A, P.L. 101-589, amended by P.L. 102-103 and P.L. 102-325 (20 U.S.C. 5381 et seq.) (expires September 30, 1997).

Purpose: To recognize high school student excellence and achievement in the physical, life, and computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering and to provide scholarships to these students to continue their studies in these academic fields at the postsecondary level.

Funding History

Fiscal Year	Appropriation
1991	$ 976,000
1992	4,500,000
1993	4,464,000
1994	4,464,000

II. Program Information and Analysis

Performance Indicators

An important goal of the National Science Scholars Program (NSSP) is to encourage students to continue their postsecondary studies in physical, life, and computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Student are therefore eligible to receive renewal awards only if they combine their studies in these fields. One indicator of the success of the program in achieving this goal is the percentage of scholarship recipients receiving a renewal award. Program data indicate a high rate of continuity in the program with 95 percent of scholarship recipients in 1991-92 and 1992-93 receiving a renewal award in the following year.

Population Targeting

To be eligible to receive a scholarship through the NSSP, the applicant must be scheduled to graduate from a public or private secondary school or to obtain the equivalent of a certificate of graduation (as recognized by the State in which the student resides) during the school year prior to the school year in which the scholarship is to be awarded. Applicants must have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in secondary school in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, or engineering.

Each State submits nominations for at least four applicants from each congressional district ranked in order of priority, at least half of whom must be female. Initial scholarships are then awarded to two scholars from each congressional district, at least one of whom must be female. The scholarships are not based on financial need.

Services

Initial scholarships are awarded for the first year of postsecondary study in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, or engineering. A scholarship recipient who maintains eligibility may receive up to four additional scholarship awards in subsequent years in order to complete the undergraduate course of study. The Secretary of Education is authorized to award up to $5,000 per year to National Science Scholars. The amount awarded depends upon the level of funds appropriated by the Congress. In any given year, all scholarships are equal except that no student can receive a scholarship in excess of the cost of attendance.

Table 1 presents information on the number and amount of scholarships received between academic years 1991-92 and 1993-94¹. The Table indicates that the average award fluctuated widely, as a result of the growing appropriations level, increasing by more than $1,500 between 1991-92 and 1992-93. The increase amount then fell almost $900 in 1993-94 due to greater number of renewal scholars receiving awards.

Table 1
	Number of Scholarships
Year	Total	Initial	Renewal	Average Award
1991-92 (FY 1991)	797	797	0	$1,236
1992-93 (FY 1992)	1,625	869	756	$2,750
1993-94 (FY 1993)	2,400	861	1,539	$1,860

¹The number of scholarships times the averag award may not equal the amount appropriated in a given year. In FY 1991, the awards exceeded the amount appropriated; FY 1992 funds were used to make up the difference.

Program Administration

Each State desiring to participate in the program must propose and submit a State nominating committee to the Department of Education for approval. The approved State nominating committee solicits and evaluates all student applications for the program using criteria published in the Federal Register. At least four nominees from each congressional district in the State, one-half of whom must be female, must be submitted to the Department. The President selects two scholarship recipients from each congressional district, one of whom must be female.

Management Improvement Strategies

The Department of Education provides case-by-case assistance to States and institutions of higher education regarding various administrative aspects of the program and distributes appropriate guidance to all participating entities.

III. Sources of Information

Program files.

IV. Planned Studies

None.

V. Contacts for Further Information

Program Operations:: Charles R. Brazil, (202) 708-4609
Program Studies:: Dan Goldenberg, (202) 401-0182

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