The Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Regional Consortiums Program has provided approximately $15 million per year since 1992 to 10 regional organizations. The Consortia are carrying out a statutory charge to assist in the improvement of local instruction in mathematics and science. This report provides a description of the Regional Consortia's early operations as a first step in a study that will later offer more evaluative judgments. This first part of the evaluation sought to describe the federal formulation of the program's purpose, the early organization of the Consortia, and the work of the Consortia. The principal categories of activities of the Regional Consortia include professional development, support for state teams and regional networks, task-specific assistance, dissemination, purchasing materials and equipment, and networking among the Regional Consortia. This document presents the history of the Eisenhower Regional Mathematics and Science Education Consortiums Program, organizing the Regional Consortia, activities and services of the Regional Consortia, and concluding observations. (ASK)