No. HENAAC awards are for scientists, mathematicians, computer scientists, people who work in technology fields and engineers. However, individuals who are not technical professionals can compete in the categories of Diversity, Community Service and Education. The individual must work to recruit, train, mentor, counsel or promote careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

No. There are four award categories where non-Hispanic nominees can compete. The categories are: Chairman's Award (awarded at the discretion of the Great Minds in STEM™ Chair), Education, Diversity or Community Service. A non-Hispanic must perform work or outreach activities that strongly impact the Hispanic Community's participation in STEM.

In most cases, a person needs a bachelor's degree in a math-based major to be eligible for awards other than those cited above. However, for military and law enforcement candidates, on the job training and experience will be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

You may not nominate an individual for the Hispanic Engineer or Scientist of the Year Award. These individuals are selected from among the top candidates submitted in all professional categories. These honorees can be leaders working in any area of science, engineering and technology, including research, technology development or technology management. The Selection Committee is searching for individuals who model the kind of technical excellence and executive leadership that significantly impact an industry, a field of science and/or engineering, academia, the Hispanic community, and our nation.

The submission will continue to be electronic! We will not be accepting any hard-copy nomination packets. All information must be either uploaded on the Great Minds in STEM™ website or mailed on a CD. All nomination information must be uploaded by June 3, 2011.

The components of the nomination include: A. Cover Page (see question 7) B. Resume C. Recommendation Letters (see question 8) D. Full Job Description E. Key milestones by nominee F. Organization Personnel Chart G. Synopsis of key research by Nominee (if applicable) H. Biography (see question 9) I. Color Photograph that is at least 600 dpi or higher J. Articles about the Nominee (if applicable) Please upload A-J at the same time. It is recommended that all nomination information arrive simultaneously to avoid documents being misfiled on the server.

Please refer to the Cover Page Sample on the Online Nomination Submission page.

Please note the first letter of recommendation should be from the nominator. Beyond this first letter from the nominator there is no limit on the number of recommendation letters submitted for nominees. It is highly recommended to include letters from high-level managers, Vice Presidents, etc. individuals who can comment in detail about the nominee's work, professional growth and value he/she brings to the organization. While there is no limit to the number of letters candidates may submit, they should be kept to only those letters that will enhance the nomination packet.

Your biography should be no more than 2-3 pages. It gives nominees an opportunity to share any significant early life experiences and motivating factors leading to their success. They can also to share information about family, special projects, hobbies, or what they consider to be important events in their lives. The biography should include information not discussed in letters of recommendation or articles.

No. It is not necessary to include documents in their entirety. If the candidate has written a thesis, a book, or paper do not include these documents. With a limited amount of time to review each nomination packet, reviewers will not have the time to read such documents in depth. However, it is imperative to inform the committee of these accomplishments either in a brief summary or list. The only category that should submit more detailed research information is Outstanding Technical Achievement.

No. Please do not submit any multimedia clips. The committee will not have time to review video clips during the selection process. However, if the nominee is selected for an award, the Great Minds in STEM™ staff will ask the organization for video clips that may be used in the presentation of his/her award.

Yes. However, we will only accept if new letters of recommendation are provided with a current 2011 date. Old letters of recommendation have a tough time competing against current letters of recommendation from other candidates.

Yes. However, we do not recommend nominating a candidate for more than two categories in a given year. On the cover page please list under category the two categories you would like the nominee to compete in. For example: Category: Professional Achievement & Civil Engineering Distinction Two packets will be prepared to be reviewed by the nomination selection committees.

Yes. However, there are special award categories exclusively for the military such as Professional Achievement - Military where only individuals that work for a military agency may win this category (i.e. a civilian working for Army Research Labs can win this award).

Yes. All winners must be able to attend the HENAAC Conference and Awards Show October 6-8, 2011 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL. If a winner is unable to attend, the next highest ranked candidate in that category will be declared the winner. The only exception to this rule is for service men and women who are on active duty and are unable to obtain leave. A family member may accept in their place.

No. The Professional Awards nomination and selection process is independent of conference sponsorship. There have been many winners from companies and organizations that are not conference sponsors.

All winners and the individuals who nominated them will be notified by the first week of August 2011 via telephone and email. A formal letter of notification with details about the conference, awards show, etc. will be mailed & sent by email the second week of August 2011. A press release announcing the winners will also be posted on the Great Minds in STEM™ website by the second week of August 2011. All non-winners will receive letters indicating that they were not selected for an award by the third week of August 2011.

The Section Committee is made up of various stake holders who have expertise in their given area. These committee members are divided into sub committees to evaluate the nominations. For example, individuals with Ph.D.'s and Masters Degrees in technology make up the Outstanding Technical Achievement Committee. These Committees report to the Selection Committee Chair who will make the final selection.

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to be nominated.

If you still have questions that we did not answer, please call us at (323) 262-0997 or email kbbarrera@greatmindsinstem.org.