ATE is Advanced Technological Education. With an emphasis on two-year colleges, the National Science Foundation's ATE program focuses on the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation's economy.

2025 Pacific Operational Science & Technology (POST) Conference

Conference

March 3 Honolulu, HI

Join NDIA and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command for the 2025 Pacific Operational Science & Technology (POST) Conference. This event promises to deliver an unparalleled platform for collaboration, innovation, and exploration of Department of Defense (DoD) opportunities for joint research, development, and experimentation.


(View More)

Two Energy Lessons for Your Classroom! Webinar

Webinar

March 7 Online

Join the webinar on Two Energy Lessons for Your Classroom! from CREATE as a part of their Spring 2025 Innovation Webinar Series!

The past four years, CREATE has sponsored the Call for Innovative Ideas, highlighting the outstanding work faculty have done to integrate technology, engage students with industry-relevant tools, and create student-centered, hands-on courses. This year they are excited to announce their line up of Innovation presentations. These webinars are 30 minutes and showcase the amazing work being done by energy educators across the nation.


(View More)

AWS AI Practitioner Faculty Training - Session 3: AWS AI Practitioner Exam Preparation

Workshop

March 7 Online

The AWS AI Practitioner Faculty Training hosted by the National Applied AI Consortium in collaboration with AWS Academy aims to empower community college faculty to teach the new AWS AI Practitioner certification. The free online training, held from February to March 2025, combines 6 hours of instructor-led sessions by AWS Academy with 18 hours of self-paced learning on AWS Skill Builder. Designed to build competency in AI and machine learning (ML) principles and use cases, the program equips educators with the knowledge and tools to prepare students for careers in AI.

Eligible participants are community college faculty with foundational knowledge of AI and ML concepts. Upon successful completion of the training, faculty will receive a voucher to take the AWS AI Practitioner certification exam. This initiative supports the growth of AI education at the community college level, ensuring instructors are well-prepared to guide students in mastering essential AI skills.

Session 3: AWS AI Practitioner Exam Preparation

Focus:

  • Question-answering techniques
  • Review of sample exam questions

(View More)

Workplace Navigation Training Workshops - Managing Expectations: Asking for & Obtaining Feedback

Workshop

March 7 Online

Meeting or exceeding expectations is a defining metric of success in the workplace. There are multitudes of expectations, many of which often go unsaid. How do you clarify what is expected of you and obtain regular actionable feedback so that you can progress steadily towards those expectations? This session will outline tools you can use to define the many expectations inherent in any work situation, assess for gaps in your knowledge and build the language to ask for and obtain the information and feedback you need to succeed.

Workshop participants will come away with strategies to:

  • Assess what expectations have been made clear, and which still need further clarity.
  • Identify gaps in expectations, how you’ll be evaluated, assessed and trained.
  • Language to obtain expectation clarity and actionable feedback.
  • Proactively manage-up to promote actions that support your success

Presenter: Dr. Karen Leung, CCSF Bioscience Internship Program


(View More)

ATE Project Talks: Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Antibody Engineering Hackathons

Webinar

March 7 Online

Welcome to the 2025 InnovATEBIO series of virtual ATE project talks.  This series features leaders in biotechnology workforce education from across the US sharing their work on exciting projects funded by the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program.  The ATE program supports the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation's economy.

Talk 1:  Modules for Bioindustrial Manufacturing

Three goals guide this project's collaboration between Delgado Community College (DCC) and Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Design Ecosystem (BioMADE). First is to formalize a Community of Practice (CoP) for workforce agencies, academic institutions, and industry/commercial entities to inform local, regional, and national workforce efforts in bioindustrial manufacturing. Second is to develop, test, and finalize key bioprocessing concept education modules that meet performance benchmarks for bioindustrial manufacturing. Third is to increase capacity of a diverse and inclusive workforce ecosystem as well as career entry through the deployment of curricular materials and dissemination efforts. This project will fill knowledge gaps related to bioprocessing for careers in bioindustrial manufacturing. These efforts will contribute to a well-prepared, industry-qualified, and diverse biomanufacturing workforce.

Speaker:  Louise Petruzzella, Director of Education and Workforce Development, BioMADE

Talk 2:  Using Hackathons to Catalyze Research Projects in Antibody Engineering

Antibodies are used as biological therapeutics, in diagnostic tests, and as reagents for research. Engineering antibodies can improve binding, specificity, and manufacturability. We are using hackathons to create undergraduate research projects that explore antibody engineering and related technologies. Hackathon projects are addressing artificial intelligence and machine learning, cell line characterization, producing antibodies in algae, making nanobodies in E. coli, developing antibody-related games, designing new antibodies based on homology, immune escape, epitopes, and screening assays. We will discuss results from previous hackathons and the resources that have been developed.

Speaker:  Sandra Porter, PhD, Digital World Biology, InnovATEBIO


(View More)

Hybrid Solar & Electric Vehicles – Driving Student Innovation Webinar

Webinar

March 7 Online

Join the webinar on Hybrid Solar & Electric Vehicles – Driving Student Innovation from CREATE as a part of their Spring 2025 Innovation Webinar Series!

The past four years, CREATE has sponsored the Call for Innovative Ideas, highlighting the outstanding work faculty have done to integrate technology, engage students with industry-relevant tools, and create student-centered, hands-on courses. This year they are excited to announce their line up of Innovation presentations. These webinars are 30 minutes and showcase the amazing work being done by energy educators across the nation.


(View More)

KidWind Virtual Workshops - Power Grid 101

Workshop

March 8 Online

Join this three-hour virtual workshop to explore the science of the power grid!

During this virtual workshop, educators will learn the foundations of energy and the how the power grid works. The workshop will discuss the history of the power grid and the role of different forms of power in producing energy, as well as the consequences for the future of energy generation in the U.S. The workshop will also introduce activities for the classroom that engage students in dynamic, hands-on energy-based learning.

All teachers who pre-register will receive a $100 kit before the 3 hour virtual training and the workshop will go through how to use these materials in the classroom.

This workshop has self guided and in-person components.

Some things to know:

  • Workshop cost is $200.
  • This workshop and the materials used are geared towards middle school and high school teachers.
  • No prior knowledge on the power grid is required.
  • You will need a stable internet connection and dedicated space in which to work.
  • You will be shipped a box of material 4-7 days before the workshop.
  • Preservice and retired teachers are welcome!

Use discount code 25CREATEVWKS to reduce the registration cost to $10.

Register by February 22nd to receive materials prior to the workshop.


(View More)

2025 Innovations Conference

Conference

March 9 San Antonio, TX

The League for Innovation in the Community College is pleased to announce that the 2025 Innovations Conference will be held March 9-12 in San Antonio, Texas. All conference events will take place at Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk. This event is hosted by Alamo Colleges District.

The Innovations Conference, now in its 28th year, is the foremost convening for professionals dedicated to improving and enhancing teaching and learning, leadership and management, and the community college experience. This international event provides a forum for collaboration among academic experts and thought leaders, while granting participants exclusive access to the most inventive and inspirational community college programs from around the world.

Conference Tracks

  • Leadership and Organization
  • Learning and Teaching
  • Student Support and Development
  • Workforce Preparation and Development

Conference Features

  • Innovative and engaging keynote speakers discussing critical issues facing community college educators
  • Hundreds of thought-provoking breakout sessions (special sessions, forums, roundtable discussions, and poster sessions)
  • Recognition of League award recipients
  • A Solutions Center, where sponsors demonstrate higher education products and services
  • Opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues throughout the event
     

(View More)

WiM West Conference

Conference

March 10 Seattle, WA

WiM West is a regional conference for manufacturing professionals who are navigating the way through their careers — whether it be in production, the C-Suite, or anywhere in between. This conference, produced by the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM), will take place in Seattle, WA (and virtually) on March 10, 2025. The conference offers attendees based in the western U.S. region:

  • Unique and interactive opportunities, allowing participants to gain access to key industry content shared by regional thought leaders
  • Opportunity to engage in professional and personal-based breakout tracks which include timely topics that attendees can take back to their work and home life
  • Develop meaningful connections with peers in the western states, including Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, and more!

Not only will WiM West offer the latest information on industry trends and innovations, but it will also provide channels for attendees to develop and grow — both personally and professionally.


(View More)

P.O.W.E.R. – Turning Students into Energy Leaders Webinar

Webinar

March 12 Online

Join the webinar on P.O.W.E.R. – Turning Students into Energy Leaders from CREATE as a part of their Spring 2025 Innovation Webinar Series!

The past four years, CREATE has sponsored the Call for Innovative Ideas, highlighting the outstanding work faculty have done to integrate technology, engage students with industry-relevant tools, and create student-centered, hands-on courses. This year they are excited to announce their line up of Innovation presentations. These webinars are 30 minutes and showcase the amazing work being done by energy educators across the nation.


(View More)

Multimedia + AI

Webinar

March 12 Online

Explore the world of AI-generated content and its impact on multimedia. This session covers creative possibilities as well as the legal challenges surrounding copyright, ownership, and fair use.


(View More)

Aviation Technician Education Council Conference

Conference

March 16 Norfolk, VA

The ATEC Conference 2025 is primarily intended for individuals involved in aviation maintenance technician education, including aviation maintenance instructors, program directors, curriculum developers, administrators from aviation maintenance schools, industry professionals looking to engage with training programs, and students interested in the field; essentially anyone seeking to stay updated on best practices and trends in aviation maintenance technician training.


(View More)

ProMat 2025

Conference

March 17 Chicago, IL

With over 1,000 of the world’s leading manufacturing and supply chain solution providers under one roof, ProMat 2025 puts you face‑to-face with the people, technologies and game-changing ideas that are shaping this industry’s future.

From hands-on demonstrations to unparalleled education experiences, attending ProMat is a great opportunity to gain the tools you need to innovate your supply chain operations for the next level of success.

Only at ProMat can you:

  • See the leading solution providers in-person, in-action 
  • Gain insights on leading trends from industry peers and thought leaders in 4 keynotes and nearly 200 educational sessions 
  • Connect and create strong business relationships with your peers and suppliers from the United States and around the world

(View More)

ATE Projects and Centers





[JavaScript Required]
All
Mfg

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies topics include:

  • Additive manufacturing
  • Automotive manufacturing
  • General manufacturing
Ag/Env

Agricultural and Environmental Technologies topics include:

  • Agriculture and aquaculture
  • Environmental technologies
  • Natural resources
  • Nuclear power
  • Solar energy
  • Wind power
Bio/Chem

Bio and Chemical Technologies topics include:

  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical and process technologies
Eng

Engineering Technologies topics include:

  • Electronics and controls
  • General engineering
  • Marine technologies
  • Materials technologies
  • Optics
  • Space technologies
Gen

General Advanced Technological Education topics include:

  • Evaluation
  • Learning research
  • Recruitment
  • Teacher preparation
Info

Information and Security Technologies topics include:

  • Geospatial technologies
  • Information and communications technologies
  • Logistics
  • Security, information assurance, and forensics
Nano

Micro and Nanotechnologies topics include:

  • MEMS
  • Microsystems
  • Semiconductors
 
Screenshot for Physics Resource Reference Sheet: Nanotechnology: What's all the Buzz About?

This resource, from the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure, is a reference sheet for high school students. Definition of terms, diagrams, abbreviations, mathematical notations, force diagrams, and other useful information related to physics and nanotechnology are provided in an easy to use format.


(View More)
Screenshot for Employability Skills Framework

This website provides information about the Employability Skills Framework that “was developed as part of the Support for States Employability Standards in CTE and Adult Education project, an initiative of the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education.” The Framework is a “resource for information and tools to inform the instruction and assessment of employability skills.” The website defines employability skills, provides resources for planning an employability skills assessment, and includes a lesson planning checklist.  


(View More)
Screenshot for Viral Gene Delivery and Evaluation by Flow Cytometry

This 12-page resource, from Frederick Community College, is a standard operating procedure (SOP) for viral gene delivery and evaluation by flow cytometry. The SOP outlines the purpose, scope, definitions, references, safety measures, responsibilities, materials, and equipment involved in the procedure. Step-by-step procedures are included for transduction of mammalian cells with the gene for green fluorescence protein (GFP) using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector and subsequent evaluation of transduction efficiency using flow cytometry.

Procedure steps include: transduction preparation, transduction of HEK293 cells, cytometer setup and calibration, starting up the cytometer, preparing for instrument QC, running instrument QC, preparation of transduced samples, setting up the acquisition parameters on the cytometer, creating sample gating strategy on the cytometer, sample acquisition, data analysis, and exporting the data. Detailed steps are included.


(View More)
Screenshot for Industrial Automation Sensors and Motors

This 219-page textbook, created for the ELCT 241: Introduction to Industrial Automation course at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, covers concepts related to motors and sensors found in an industrial environment. The course familiarizes students with industrial automation through the study of motors and censors, equipping students with "the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the automated workplace of tomorrow." Also included are review questions for various sections. The textbook consists of the following parts:

  1. Fundamentals of Sensors
  2. Load Sensors and Pressure Sensing Technologies
  3. Temperature, Flow Control, and Vision Sensors
  4. DC [direct current] Motors
  5. Stepper Motors
  6. AC [alternating current] Motors

Upon completing this course students should be able to do the following:

  • Implement and manage automated systems
  • Analyze data and optimize processes
  • Troubleshoot and maintain automated equipment
  • Communicate affectively within an automated work environment

(View More)
Screenshot for ITTSS Resource Guide

This 172-page resource was developed as a reference guide for the IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond project grant, explaining in step-by-step detail how to collaborate with employers to develop future-facing technical skill standards and then use that work to align curriculum to workforce needs. This guide also provides a hard copy of the final version "products" the grant created (KSA+Ts - knowledge, skills, abilities, and tasks, key performance indicators, employability skills, student learning outcomes, and degree expectations).

A companion report on the impacts and outcomes of the ITSS project is available to view separately.


(View More)
Active ATE Centers 19
Active ATE Projects 297
ATE Resources 6,761
   
New Projects/Centers 60
New Resources 118

ATE Resources by Subject Area

ATE Events by Subject Area

 
A photo of two women in a classroom setting talking

New Research: Supporting Parenting Students

'Parenting students' (or students with children) can face financial and basic needs insecurity, which jeopardize their academic success.

To address these challenges, the Parenting Students Project (PSP), a pilot initiative by Austin Community College District and United Way for Greater Austin, provides participating students with a $500 monthly stipend, peer support meetings, and academic resources.

A mixed-methods evaluation by Trellis Strategies found that the PSP had a substantial positive impact on student retention, financial stability, and sense of community. PSP participants were significantly more likely to stay enrolled, experienced reduced reliance on student loans, and benefited from a strong peer network that fostered confidence and mental well-being.

Findings show that 88% of PSP participants remained enrolled or graduated, compared to 54% of non-participating parenting students. The stipend allowed students to reduce work hours, purchase reliable transportation, and focus more on their studies. Monthly peer meetings also provided essential social support, reinforcing a sense of belonging and motivation.

Many students credited PSP with helping them persist in their...


(View More)
A screenshot of the University of Limerick's website, showing students wearing university attire

Pathways to Ireland for Community College Students

The University of Limerick has launched the Bachelor of Arts (BA) International Advanced Access programme, an academic pathway designed to provide North American community college students with an accelerated route to earning a bachelor's degree in Ireland.

This initiative allows students who have completed a two-year associate’s degree to transfer directly into the third year of UL’s BA program, enabling them to graduate in just two additional years instead of the traditional three. By shortening the timeline, the program offers students an opportunity to gain international experience while fast-tracking their degree completion.

The program is structured to provide an easy transition for students, ensuring clarity in how their associate degree qualifications map onto UL’s curriculum. With tuition costs comparable to in-state fees at prestigious U.S. institutions, the program offers affordability alongside a cultural and academic experience in an English-speaking European country. Find out more about the program on the University of Limerick's website.


(View More)

Register: 2025 S-STEM Scholars Meeting

The 2025 S-STEM Scholars Meeting is calling for exhibitors to join this exciting event in October! This is an excellent opportunity to connect with over 1,000 students from diverse STEM disciplines. Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their work, network with emerging scholars, and make a lasting impact on the future of STEM education.

To secure a spot, complete the interest form by May 31.

For more details on exhibiting, including opportunities and benefits, check out the exhibitor prospectus. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of an impactful gathering!


(View More)
A screenshot of the League's website promoting the conference

Upcoming Event: 2025 Innovations Conference

The League for Innovation in the Community College is excited to announce the 2025 Innovations Conference, taking place from March 9-12 in San Antonio, Texas, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk. Hosted by Alamo Colleges District, this 28th annual event is the premier gathering for community college professionals focused on enhancing teaching, leadership, and student success.

The conference features keynote speakers, over 100 breakout sessions, and a Solutions Center showcasing the latest in higher education products and services. This international conference is a unique opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and explore programs shaping the future of community colleges.

Find out more and register on the League's website.


(View More)