Eugene DeLoatch and Tyrone Taborn will be honored Tuesday for their exemplary service in promoting public understanding of science and engineering, according to a news release.

Their annual event is recognized for having increased the enrollment of minorities in engineering programs across the country, enhanced scientific and engineering literacy in minority communities, and opened the doors to discovery and innovation among broad segments of minority populations.

“As a team and individually, Eugene DeLoatch and Tyrone Taborn have spent much of their lives working to ensure that all Americans have equal opportunities to excel in science and engineering,” Kent Fuchs, chair of the NSB’s Committee on Honorary Awards said in the release. “Their work has significantly contributed to our nation’s global leadership in science, engineering, and technology, ensuring that the best and brightest in our communities have pathways to success.”

Over 33 years, the Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) Conference has exposed more than 100,000 students to role models in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

More than 10,000 men and women have been nominated for Black Engineer of the Year Awards; 957 have received category awards, and 33 have been selected as Black Engineer of the Year.

The National Science Board Public Service Award recognizes people and groups that have increased the public’s understanding of science or engineering. Past award recipients include the American Museum of Natural History, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the PBS television series NOVA.

The National Science Board will present DeLoatch and Taborn with the NSB Public Service Award at the National Science Foundation Annual Awards Ceremony held in Washington, D.C.