Stacy Phelps, a 1996 mechanical engineering graduate, is a recipient of a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Phelps received the award during a ceremony held January 6, 2010, at the White House.
"On behalf of the School of Mines, I congratulate Mr. Phelps on this distinguished recognition. He is the perfect example of the leadership roles our graduates take in all sectors of society," President Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D., said. "His work in mentoring Native American students in science, mathematics, and engineering is crucial to helping those students develop academically. Lila waste ecanu (you did very good)!"
The honor is awarded each year to individuals or organizations in recognition of the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering and whom belong to minorities that are underrepresented in those fields. In addition to being honored at the White House, recipients receive $10,000 to advance their mentoring efforts.
"It is an honor, privilege, and responsibility for each of us to preserve our legacy and body of work by mentoring the future generation of STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] professionals," Phelps said. "I believe that STEM professionals are our most critical assets and can serve as the foundational building blocks of a nation's public infrastructure. Mentoring future graduates in STEM is one of the most efficient and effective way to ensure the prosperity and advancement of our communities through the types of innovations and solutions that only STEM can provide."
Phelps currently serves as the chief executive officer of the American Indian Institute for Innovation (AIII). At AIII Phelps is working on using what he has learned since 1992 in working with American Indian students to develop a residential STEM and health-focused academy for American Indian students from ninth grade through the second year of college. This would serve as a significant effort to dramatically increase the number of American Indian STEM professionals at the baccalaureate degree level that can serve tribal and rural communities of South Dakota in very critical and important areas.
One facet of Phelps' mentoring work brings him back to his alma mater each year. He serves as project coordinator for the South Dakota Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (SD GEAR UP) Honors Program, a summer fixture on the School of Mines campus for 17 years. The purpose of this program, previously known as SKILL and NASA Honors, is to prepare Native American students to be successful in the college setting.
In 2009, the summer program on the School of Mines campus grew to serve more than 220 students in grades 9-12 and several college students. More than 85 percent of the students were Native American, representing all nine tribes in South Dakota. Many of the students are potential first-generation college students. Of those that graduate from the program, virtually 100 percent also graduate from high school, 87 percent attend college, and nine percent enter the military. SD GEARUP as a statewide effort serves more than 3,000 students and their families in grades 7-12 in 24 middle schools and 14 high schools through various interventions and programs focused on college awareness and readiness.
"SD GEAR UP uses engaged experiences, partnerships, and curriculum to ensure students utilize their high school experience as a bridge to college," Phelps said. "The School of Mines continues to be a full partner in providing access to facilities, staff, and faculty that have become a cornerstone to providing a quality and enriching experience that improves the future of our students and our communities."
