The Department of Labor (DOL) has launched the fifth round of the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants (SCC5) program, announcing approximately $65 million in grant funds available for application by September 24, 2024.

This initiative is designed to enhance community colleges' ability to meet employers' skill development needs and support students in securing quality jobs in high-demand industries. Priority will be given to proposals aligning with the Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, particularly in infrastructure sectors. Importantly, at least one grant will be awarded to a Tribally Controlled College if eligible applications are received.

The SCC5 grants continue the program's focus on sector-based career pathways, which have shown positive employment outcomes. Notably, previous lead applicants and consortium members from SCC4 are ineligible to reapply in the same capacity for SCC5, although grantees from Rounds 1-3 may apply if they propose a different industry sector.

To date, the DOL has issued four rounds of SCC grants, involving 170 colleges across 31 states. These grants have supported sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and...

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a $77.8 million investment aimed at bolstering climate resilience through 14 projects under the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). This funding spans 50 institutions across 21 jurisdictions, targeting states that have traditionally received lower levels of research funding. NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan emphasized the initiative's importance in addressing climate change impacts nationwide by fostering innovation, strengthening STEM education, and supporting economic growth.

The funded projects involve interdisciplinary teams working collaboratively to advance climate change research and resilience. Examples include Louisiana Tech University's project on sustainable energy and water reuse systems, the University of New Hampshire's nature-based climate solutions, and the University of Vermont's water management strategies guided by Indigenous knowledge. These projects aim to develop climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, expand STEM opportunities, and enhance the resilience of underserved and disproportionately affected communities across the United States.

A recent report by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation reveals that Americans maintain more confidence in community colleges than four-year institutions, primarily due to the cost-effectiveness and perceived value of two-year public colleges. Nearly half (48%) of Americans express significant confidence in community colleges, while only one-third (33%) feel the same about four-year colleges and universities. The report is based on a survey of 2,180 U.S. adults conducted last month.

The report highlights political and racial differences in confidence levels. Republicans show much lower confidence in both community colleges and four-year institutions compared to Democrats and independents, but they still view two-year colleges more favorably. Among Republicans, 36% express confidence in community colleges, versus 15% for four-year schools. Independents hold more confidence in both, while a majority of Democrats (67%) trust community colleges compared to 58% for four-year institutions. Racially, both Whites and people of color rate community colleges similarly, but people of color have a higher confidence in four-year schools (39% vs. 30%). Overall, Americans rate community colleges...

The Biden administration announced a significant investment of $504 million in grants for twelve technology hubs across the U.S., including locations in Ohio, Montana, Nevada, and Florida. This funding aims to support advancements in fields like quantum computing, biomanufacturing, lithium batteries, computer chips, and personalized medicine. The initiative seeks to spread technological innovation beyond major metropolitan areas such as San Francisco and New York City.

The funding is part of the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration efforts, with President Biden previously designating 31 tech hubs in October 2023. The administration is advocating for additional funding to ensure all designated hubs receive the support needed to thrive.

Funded tech hubs include:
- $41 million for Elevate Quantum Tech Hub (CO, NM)
- $41 million for Headwaters Hub (MT)
- $51 million for Heartland BioWorks (IN)
- $51 million for iFAB Tech Hub (IL)
- $21 million for Nevada Tech Hub
- $40 million for NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub (NY)
- $44 million for ReGen Valley Tech Hub (NH)
- $45 million for SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC, GA)
- $19 million for South Florida...

This webinar will provide a comprehensive understanding of crafting effective evaluation plans for NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) proposals. Attendees will gain insights into the essential elements of an evaluation plan and learn how to integrate evaluation throughout their proposals. The session will cover practical strategies for writing evaluation questions, identifying evaluation indicators, and developing evaluation data matrixes. Additionally, participants will receive valuable resources to help create a clear and compelling evaluation section.

The webinar features Lyssa Wilson Becho, the Director and Principal Investigator at EvaluATE. With a Ph.D. in evaluation and over eight years of experience, Lyssa leads training efforts, including webinars and workshops, and fosters a vibrant evaluation community. Her expertise will guide attendees through the intricacies of NSF ATE proposal evaluations, providing both non-evaluators and seasoned evaluators with practical advice and tools.

Designed to benefit anyone involved in NSF grant proposals, this webinar offers valuable insights for those new to the process as well as those looking to refine their skills. It...

The new NSF ATE Program Solicitation is now available and there are some changes including new budget amounts for projects and the removal of the ATE Resource/Support Centers track (although similar activities can be supported under the Project track).  Readers can find a synopsis of major changes under the Important Information And Revision Notes section at the beginning of the solicitation as well as helpful information about current Dear Colleague Letters associated with the ATE program.

The CASCADE (Commons-Accelerated Silicon Crossroads Apprenticeships for Demands in Engineering) Apprenticeship Program is a groundbreaking initiative developed by the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub (SCMC), Purdue University, and Synopsys. This collaborative effort aims to propel the future of microelectronics in the United States by cultivating a highly skilled workforce for this essential industry.

The CASCADE Apprenticeship Program blends academic and hands-on experiences. Students begin with a year at Purdue University, gaining a solid theoretical foundation in semiconductor design. The program continues with practical work experience alongside industry leaders like Synopsys, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the semiconductor industry.

The Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub fosters innovation and workforce development, supporting the CASCADE program to achieve excellence in domestic microelectronics. Purdue University, known for its strong engineering programs, provides the academic foundation for CASCADE students, even those who may not be pursuing a traditional 4-year degree. Synopsys, a leader in semiconductor design...

A recent Pew Research Center report reveals that economic outcomes for young adults without a four-year college degree have been improving over the past decade, with increased earnings and reduced poverty rates. Despite these gains, the income gap between those with and without a college degree remains unchanged as young college graduates have also seen improvements in their economic situations. Public opinion on the value of a college degree is mixed, with only 22% of U.S. adults believing that the cost of college is worth it if loans are necessary. Many Americans question the necessity of a college degree for securing a well-paying job, with 40% asserting that it is not very important.

The report highlights that the labor force participation and full-time employment rates for young men and women without a college degree have stabilized or increased after decades of decline. For young men, earnings have risen since 2014, though they remain below early 1970s levels, and poverty rates have significantly decreased. Similarly, young women without a degree have seen their earnings increase and poverty rates fall over the past decade. However, four-year college graduates continue to...

The National Science Foundation's Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) invites current ATE program recipients to submit requests for supplemental funding to support scholarships for students eligible under the NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM). This initiative aims to address the ongoing high attrition rates among STEM undergraduates in the U.S. by providing financial assistance to academically talented, low-income students pursuing degrees in STEM fields.

Supplemental funding requests should focus exclusively on student scholarships and must meet S-STEM eligibility criteria, including U.S. citizenship, enrollment in a STEM program, academic potential, low-income status, and demonstrated financial need.

Detailed instructions for preparing these requests are provided on the NSF website, including requirements for institutional context, potential scholars' demographics, retention and graduation rates, scholarship amount determination, and existing support structures. Funding will not exceed 20% of the original ATE award and must be submitted with prior NSF approval.

For further guidance and to initiate the submission process,...

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is partnering with Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation for the Metallica Scholars Initiative, an effort to promote career and technical education as a pathway to well-paying jobs. This initiative supports community college students by providing relevant job skill training and connecting them to opportunities that meet employer needs. The collaboration leverages Metallica's influence to elevate the importance and dignity of technical education. 

AACC is now accepting proposals from up to 18 member colleges for Cohort 6, starting on July 1, 2024. The Request for Proposals opened on May 15 and closes on June 7, with announcements the week of June 24.

Since its inception in 2019, the Metallica Scholars Initiative has expanded to 42 colleges across 33 states, supporting student accessibility through scholarships and essential resources. For updates, follow AACC and All Within My Hands on their respective platforms.