MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. — Denzel Washington says inner-city school kids have to be reminded that scientists are more important than entertainers.

The Academy Award-winning actor and wife Pauletta award annual scholarships for neuroscience research to college students and make the presentations at city schools. On Friday, they went to Mount Vernon High School in suburban Westchester County. Mount Vernon is Washington’s hometown.

Washington — who won Oscars for his performances in “Training Day” (2001) and “Glory” (1989) — says actors, rappers and basketball stars get more recognition, but someone in a hospital bed is more impressed by a good doctor. He says inner-city students might not be aware of all the opportunities available, and he urged the excited Mount Vernon kids to apply for his scholarships.