Stacy Phelps has little time for play, but he thinks he might be able to squeeze in a fall trip to the White House.

Phelps runs the state's GEAR UP college preparation program, works for the Mid-Central Education Cooperative in Platte and is helping to get the American Indian Institute for Innovation in the Black Hills up and running. On Thursday, President Barack Obama named him among more than 100 science, math, and engineering teachers and mentors receiving Presidential Awards for Excellence.

Two others from South Dakota - Rapid City South Middle School teacher David Ireland and Rebecca Kitts of St. Joseph Elementary School in Pierre - also won presidential recognition and will join educators receiving $10,000 awards at the fall White House ceremony.

There are two sets of awards. Phelps won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The honor recognizes those helping minority students study science or engineering.

Ireland and Kitts won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. That honor is reserved for the best pre-college science and math teachers across the country.

A panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators selects the winners from those nominated at the state level by colleagues, administrators and students. Each year the award alternates, going either to teachers in grades K through 6 (as it is this year) or to those teaching in grades 7 through 12.

The teachers each receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation, an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the White House awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

"I think it's exciting," Phelps said. "It's certainly a unique opportunity to bring more awareness to what we're trying to do."

That mission, he said, is to provide more role models and mentors to Native American students interesting in math, science and engineering careers.

"It's access to professional mentors that look like them," he said, "another person they can relate to doing it as a career. So they can have that 'aha' moment."

The barriers for Native American students are varied, Phelps said, starting with some students not recognizing the pathways to higher education or careers. He hopes the money will help with programs committed to helping Native American students overcome the challenges they face on their way to diplomas, degrees and jobs in the math, science and engineering areas.

A recent nationwide study reported that only 1,500 Native American students obtain degrees in high-level math, science and engineering areas in any given year, which is at the root of the problem for tribes, Phelps said. Those career fields are crucial for healthy infrastructures for any community.

Ireland could not be reached Thursday for comment.

Obama said in a news release that he found the award winners inspiring.

"There is no higher calling than furthering the educational advancement of our nation's young people and encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders," he said. "These awards represent a heartfelt salute of appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others and in doing so have helped us all."

Contact Kayla Gahagan at 394-8410 or kayla.gahagan@rapidcityjournal.com