WASHINGTON - A UC Riverside program designed to increase the number of women and minority math teachers was honored with a National Science Foundation award Thursday in Washington, D.C.

UCR was one of 10 institutions to receive the National Science Foundation's Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics, Science and Engineering Mentoring.

UCR's program, called Connect, provides academic, financial and mentoring support in mathematics education. Besides helping prepare future teachers, the program also offers professional development to educators and helps middle and high school students master math.

The National Science Foundation awards were established in 1996 to honor those who foster talent among groups underrepresented in science, mathematics and engineering, spokesman Bill Noxon said.

Chancellor France Cordova nominated UCR's program and its founder, Pamela Clute, for the award.

Clute, a UCR mathematics instructor and executive director of the school's Alpha Center, will receive a $10,000 grant.

She hopes the funding will encourage foundations and other potential donors to give to the Alpha Center. The center runs 87 mathematics-related programs for teachers and students.

"To be recognized for something that you worked so hard for 32 years is such an honor," Clute said. "And the fact that it came from the White House and the National Science Foundation validates everything I do."