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.

5th Annual 2025 AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit

Conference

November 16 Oxon Hill, MD

This will be the 5th Annual AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference. The conference will focus on promoting Industrial Biotechnology throughout this multi-day conference and exhibition. To kick off the event there will be a reception on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m., included in the registration ticket of the conference. 

​The conference will include featured speakers during Breakout sessions, Plenary Programs, Workshops and Poster Presentations on the following subjects:

  • Global biobased economy
  • Recycling, Composting, Biodegradation
  • Biobased product manufacturing and certification
  • Biofuels, Synthetic Aviation Fuels (SAF), production, manufacturing, and downstream applications for SAF
  • Leadership from key federal agencies and programs pertinent to industrial biotechnology
  • Other key federal agency programs
  • Industrial biotechnology projects influencing international innovation
  • Hear about financing strategies, creative ways to finance your projects and companies with equity, debt and insurance
  • Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) in connection with industrial biotechnology projects 

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Accessing Higher Ground Conference

Conference

November 17 Denver, CO

Accessing Higher Ground focuses on the implementation and benefits of:

  • Accessible media, Universal Design and Assistive Technology in the university, business and public setting;
  • Legal and policy issues, including ADA and 508 compliance;
  • The creation of accessible media and information resources, including Web pages and library resources.

For institutions of Higher Education, there is a strong focus on campus accommodation and policies, alternate format production, Universal Design and curriculum accessibility.


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Rockwell Automation Fair

Conference

November 17 Chicago, IL

Your chance to create what's next is here. Join in Chicago and be a part of building tomorrow, today, at this year’s can’t-miss Automation Fair® event. Forge connections with thousands of problem solvers, builders, makers and innovators over four immersive days. You’ll find learning and inspiration to meet your goals now and in the future, no matter where you’re at in your journey.
 


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How are You Using AI in Your Courses and Job?

Meeting

November 17 Online

Faculty Coffee Hours are a time to get together (virtually) and discuss topics of interest for Energy Faculty each month.

AI is transforming education and energy systems worldwide. From innovative tools for personalized learning to streamlining research and administrative tasks, faculty are pioneering ways to integrate AI into STEM and energy programs. Join us for the conversation!


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AMTEC Institute for Industry 4.0 Innovation (AI3)

Workshop

November 18 Owensboro, KY

Calling CTE Instructors who teach manufacturing, engineering, and related courses - join for a dynamic two-day training designed to elevate your Industry 4.0 skills! Experience hands-on learning with cutting-edge equipment and expert guidance from nationally recognized trainers. Session topics include: Industry 4.0 skills, Competency-Based Education, virtual/augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and funding resources. Travel assistance and stipends may be available for instructors who complete the program and meet requirements. You will also gain access to a resource portal, and monthly virtual Community of Practice sessions featuring industry partners and educational peers sharing best practices.


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2025 IEDB Virtual User Workshop

Workshop

November 18 Online

Day 1: Overview of the IEDB curation process, database structure, and content. The different database query features will be demonstrated and a research example will be provided.

Day 2: Overview of the epitope prediction and analysis tools for both the Next-Generation tools and classic Analysis Resource.

Day 3: Specialized topics will be covered including specific tools, the IEDB application programming interface (API), and other areas of research, such as HIV and cancer. 

The registration form must be filled out by Nov. 7th. Applicants will receive email notification of acceptance in the coming weeks, a calendar invitation, Zoom details, and a workshop agenda closer to the event. The workshop will be recorded and details will be shared with those registered.


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Info Session: Using LinkedIn to Navigate the AI-Driven Labor Market

Meeting

November 18 Online

AI is transforming the world of work, and educators play a critical role in helping students adapt. Join this interactive info session to learn how community college faculty and staff can use LinkedIn’s labor-market insights and learning resources to guide students through this change.

Discover how to identify where AI is creating new demand for roles and skills, connect those insights to learning opportunities, and help students build strong profiles and leverage AI-powered job search tools to showcase their skills.

Presenters

  • Talia Fujita, Senior Manager, Social Impact Partnerships, LinkedIn
  • Casey Weston, Senior Manager, Public Policy and Economic Graph
  • Katrina Enos, Senior Social Impact Manager, Employee & Community Programs

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Community Conversation: Using AI in Your Project Evaluations

Webinar

November 18

ATE PIs, project evaluators, and staff will explore the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance project evaluation processes. Participants will discuss how they integrate AI into data collection, analysis, and reporting to improve efficiency and insights.


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AMTEC Institute for Industry 4.0 Innovation: Applied Innovation: Hands-on Industry 4.0 Applications

Webinar

November 20

Discover how Ivy Tech instructors turned the AMTEC Institute training into a real-world impact. In this peer-led session, you’ll learn how three faculty members built a classroom-ready trainer, introduced Industry 4.0 concepts, and reshaped curriculum to better prepare students for today’s manufacturing careers. Walk away with actionable ideas and proven strategies you can apply in your own program.


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Advancing Native American Youth in Cybersecurity and STEM: A Replicable Model

Meeting

November 21 Online

As we honor National Native American Heritage Month in November, join this special two-hour panel presentation with representatives from Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache School. 

Learn how dual credit programs, local access to higher education, and workforce partnerships help students stay connected to their community while preparing for high-demand careers. The model integrates culture, language, and hands-on learning from early childhood through college and career training.  Hear how this collaborative approach is strengthening both student outcomes and the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s future.


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Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Educators

Workshop

November 21 San José, CA

This workshop empowers university, community college, and high school faculty, staff, counselors, and academic advisors with the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices and curriculum development. Participants will explore practical applications of AI, including lesson planning, designing engaging and interactive content, creating dynamic assessments, and customizing individualized student learning experiences. Additionally, the workshop will highlight how to enable students to use AI in ethical and productive ways across various disciplines.

Through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and real-world examples, faculty will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s transformative role in education. They will also explore new forms of student engagement, ensuring responsible AI use in both teaching and learning environments. This workshop prepares educators to harness AI to enhance classroom instruction, streamline administrative tasks, and equip students with the skills needed to navigate an AI-driven future.


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Underwater Intervention Conference

Conference

December 3 New Orleans, LA

Consisting of a dedicated exhibitor pavilion and a multi-track technical conference program this co-location capitalizes on the tremendous amount of synergy between the WorkBoat and Underwater Intervention audience. Underwater Intervention started in 1993 when the MTS ROV Committee and the Association of Diving Contractors International joined together to create the world's premier conference for Commercial Diving, ROVs, Underwater Surveys, AUVs, and Underwater Construction, Maintenance, and Repair Operations.


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KidWind Virtual Workshops - Solar Energy 101

Workshop

December 6 Online

During this virtual workshop, educators will learn the foundations of solar power including the science and technology of solar PV and thermal energy. Organizers 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 $150 kit before the 3 hour virtual training and we 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 $250.
  • This workshop and the materials used are geared towards middle school and high school teachers.
  • No prior knowledge on solar energy is required.
  • You will need a stable internet connection and dedicated space in which to work.
  • A box of material will be shipped 4-7 days before the workshop.
  • Preservice and retired teachers are welcome!

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ATE Projects and Centers





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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
 

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

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This experiment, presented by the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure, covers Shape Memory Alloys or Smart Materials. A Smart Material or Shape Memory Alloys belongs to a class of materials which displays the shape memory effect (SME); they possess the ability to radically change crystal structure or phase at a distinct temperature. The lab will "explore how smart materials work and what applications these materials are used in." Additionally, students will be provided with a brief history lesson about the origins of smart material. The experiment is quite fun, students will observe how smart materials can "think and do amazing things." A student and teacher guide is provided with the lab. 


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This issue of J ATE, published by Portland Community College, focuses on the theme of professional engagement. J ATE is a peer-reviewed technical journal focused on community college faculty and staff who work with technician education. This journal is cross-disciplinary and encompasses all technologies under the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program. Some of these technologies include: Micro Nano, Biotechnology, Autonomous Technology, Cyber Security, Advanced Manufacturing, Earth Sciences, Agriculture Technology, Energy, and Welding. Some topics that cross cut across all disciplines of technician education are also covered. Those topics include: Evaluation, Mentoring, Undergraduate Research, and Applied Technician Research.

This 108-page issue of J ATE includes 11 full articles and five guest letters written by ATE professionals. Listed below is each article and corresponding DOI number in parentheses.

  • Building a Well-Equipped Skilled...

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These free, online Agricultural Biotechnology course materials from Futurelab+ make up a 36-week course that investigates "the amazing ways that living organisms can be harnessed to improve agriculture processes and redefine a healthier relationship with the natural environment." The course consists of four units, each featuring an introductory video, various lessons with lab elements, core labs, and projects. Each lesson and lab has a downloadable instructor's guide with student worksheets. Along with lesson content, the instructor's guides include pedagogical framing, national learning standards met by the lesson, and more. Editable versions of the student materials are available in both English and Spanish. Additionally, each unit includes a pacing guide, lesson flowchart, and lab materials. The units are as follows:

  • Solution Seeking Microbes
  • Alternative Proteins
  • Plant to Pharmaceutical
  • Community Science

The Futurelab+ biomedicine course, which this course builds on, is...


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This video from the Internet Scout Research Group is part of a series that highlights student success stories related to advanced technological education (ATE) programs. In this video, Sam Martinich discusses his experiences with Central Wyoming College's geospatial information systems and technologies (GIST) program. Topics covered include Sam's career path and journey to Central Wyoming College, the impact of the program on his life, and his work collecting climate data. Funding for the program from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is also explored.

The video runs 5:38 minutes in length.


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Active ATE Centers 15
Active ATE Projects 294
ATE Resources 6,955
New Projects/Centers 62
New Resources 60

ATE Resources by Subject Area

ATE Events by Subject Area

 
image of charts for enrollment trends

New Research: Trends for Short-Term Credentials & Other Awards


According to a new DataPoints article from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), public community colleges awarded more than 1.52 million credentials in 2023–24, showing a steady rebound since the pandemic. Short-term credentials, defined as programs lasting less than a year, rose 27% between 2017–18 and 2023–24.

The average student now earns about 1.34 credentials annually, reflecting growth in stackable or sequential credentialing pathways. Meanwhile, associate degree awards dipped from their 2020–21 peak but saw a modest recovery in 2023–24.

To learn more about enrollment trends across credential types, read the full DataPoints from AACC.


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GeoAcademy word with a picture of the world and a globe behind it

Professional Development Opportunity: GeoAcademy



The Geospatial Technology Consortium of Community Colleges (GTC3) invites applications for GeoAcademy, an online professional development program designed to expand understanding and application of geospatial technologies. Through structured, hands-on learning and collaborative engagement, participants will explore how geospatial tools can enhance student learning, support research initiatives, strengthen program evaluation, and enrich instructional resources across disciplines. GeoAcademy is open to professionals affiliated with community colleges and related educational institutions, including faculty, librarians, researchers, and instructional designers. No prior experience with geospatial technologies is required. 

The application deadline is November 28, 2025. For additional information or to apply, visit GTC3’s website.
 


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Upcoming Webinar: Using LinkedIn to Navigate the AI-Driven Labor Market


The webinar "Using LinkedIn to Navigate the AI-Driven Labor Market," hosted by the National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC), will take place on November 18, 2025, from 12:00-1:00PM EST. Presenters from LinkedIn, public policy, economics, and social impact sections will share how community college faculty can leverage LinkedIn's workforce analytics and educational resources to help students strengthen their online presence, identify emerging areas of demand, and connect job trends to relevant learning opportunities. 

To learn more and register for the online event, visit NAAIC's website.


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