In October 1998, the National Science Board held a special hearing in Puerto Rico which Shirley Malcom, Luther Williams, and I all attended. One late night, we were sitting in the hotel bar deep in conversation about common concerns, especially relating to underrepresented minorities in science and engineering. One of our very deep sorrows was the diminishing numbers of up-and-coming minority national leaders that we observed. We have all worked in this area for over 30 years, and while the minority population is expanding, leadership at the national level, with some very bright exceptions, seems to be shrinking.

Our conversation was the impetus for this meeting and report. We all determined then to look for ways that our bright, young, talented underrepresented minority colleagues could be propelled to the positions of leadership that they deserve and that this nation so desperately needs them to fill. Luther suggested that I hold a meeting, and we both convinced Shirley to open the meeting with this challenge. A year later we held the meeting, and a year later we have the report.

The meeting was exciting. The report has been difficult. If the solutions were simple, the problem would have been solved long ago. We hope that we have at least brought greater understanding to the topic.

Richard Tapia