List
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.
Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT 2025
Conference
October 12 Chicago, IL
The Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT is the premier annual gathering designed to support, celebrate and advance women working in manufacturing. Over the past 15 years, it has grown into a transformative event where industry professionals come together to share knowledge, build community and drive change. Whether you’re seeking professional development, networking opportunities or the chance to explore innovative solutions, the WiM SUMMIT provides a unique experience tailored for your growth and success.
This event is more than a conference – it’s a celebration of the vital role women play in shaping the future of manufacturing. Attendees experience a blend of inspiring keynote addresses, interactive sessions and collaborative networking opportunities that empower them to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and lead with confidence.
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From Feedstock to Scale: UC Davis's Integrated Approach to Biomanufacturing
Webinar
October 13 Online
Join UC Davis for a BioMADE Member Community Capabilities Webinar showcasing UC Davis’s unique strengths in biomanufacturing. Hear directly from investigators working across disciplines and the BioMRL spectrum, from early-stage research to scale-up. Learn how to connect with UC Davis researchers and access state-of-the-art shared facilities that support innovation across the bioeconomy. The session will also feature the NIST/BioMADE-funded RACER project, a $3.9M initiative comparing alternative antigen production systems. Investigators are evaluating six different host platforms—plants, mammalian cells, yeast, bacteria, and fungi—to optimize yield, antigen quality, purification workflows, and scalability, advancing sustainable solutions for potential emerging threats.
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UAS Summit & Expo
Summit
October 14 Grand Forks, ND
The UAS Summit & Expo started as a small gathering of regional stakeholders. Now, 19 years later, the event in the Northern Plains of North Dakota has become a yearly major event for UAS experts from around the world. It’s the original epicenter of drone research, earned its place as the Silicon Valley of Drones and as you’ll see from the commercial, government and military flight activity filling the sky of the Northern Plains and beyond every day, it has truly become America’s UAS proving grounds.
True to its trailblazing roots, this year’s event will unite industry thought leaders, policymakers and high-impact end-users like never before.
A newly formed advisory committee representing the most influential UAS entities from the Silicon Valley of Drones has reimagined everything.
Working with UAS end-use clients from inside and outside the industry, the advisory committee has taken bold steps to expand the Summit and reveal—through new and unique content never tried before, end-user input and a special attendee list of decisionmakers, buyers and big-names—what your future in UAS will be.
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5 Misunderstood Truths About Leadership
Webinar
October 14 Online
These webinars are free for WiM members and only $35 for nonmembers, making them accessible and valuable for all professionals.
Despite countless leadership books and training programs, critical knowledge gaps are holding leaders back from their full potential. Through rigorous research, including thousands of surveys and hundreds of focus group participants across manufacturing organizations nationwide, Audrey George has uncovered five fundamental leadership truths that are consistently overlooked yet absolutely essential for exceptional leadership.
Each truth is revealed through compelling real-world scenarios that will resonate with your leadership experience. You'll not only understand why these principles matter but learn proven, actionable strategies to implement immediately. You will leave with concrete actions to implement the very next day. These insights have consistently produced measurable results and will empower you to demonstrate leadership prowess that gets noticed. The five misunderstood truths are your roadmap to becoming the exceptional leader your organization needs.
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New Supplement Opportunities for ExLENT and ATE PIs related to AI Informational Webinar
Webinar
October 14 Online
Join NSF program directors for a virtual office hours session to discuss the Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) invite to supplemental funding requests from current ExLENT and ATE awardees to pilot, implement, or expand AI-focused career and skill building learning opportunities for high school students. The session will feature a moderated Q&A.
To support proposal development, NSF ATE and ExLENT program officers will host two informational webinars (Sept. 10th and Oct. 14th) to share details about the DCL and answer your questions. In addition, there will be information sessions at the ATE PI meeting in October 2025. Please register for one of the two session dates. The information that is shared at the two webinars will be the same, so you need to sign up for just one.
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NCNGM Summit 2025
Summit
October 15 Rochester Hills, MI
The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is excited to announce and invite you to participate in the upcoming NCNGM Summit. This significant event will take place at FANUC America Corporation, a leader in automation and robotics, known for its innovative contributions to the manufacturing sector. They are thrilled to be collaborating with the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC), an organization dedicated to advancing technology education and workforce development nationwide. This event aims to create a platform that fosters dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among industry leaders, educators, and students.
This summit will provide an opportunity to engage with experts in the field, explore cutting-edge technologies, and participate in workshops that address the future of manufacturing. Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, share insights, and learn about the latest advancements shaping the landscape of next generation manufacturing. Everyone interested in the future of the manufacturing industry is encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for this exciting experience.
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AI in Engineering Summit
Summit
October 15 East Hartford, CT
The UConn College of Engineering Connecticut Transportation Institute is hosting the AI in Engineering Summit on October 15, 2025. The event will be held at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
Attendees will learn about Agentic and Generative AI through presentations and hands-on workshops.
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USDA Cybersecurity Expo 2025
Conference
October 15 Online
The 2025 USDA Cybersecurity Expo will provide its active participants with information and resources on today's vulnerabilities, incidents, security lifecycle, risks and mitigations. It will also identify ways to work together and build a solid security foundation program to meet future challenges and trends in cybersecurity.
The theme for the 2025 Expo is Cyber Resilience in a Digital World. Cybersecurity Expo will be where professionals across the industry gather to share practical strategies, proven solutions, and the latest insights to strengthen cybersecurity at every organization. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, connect with peers, or explore real-world approaches to today's cybersecurity challenges, this year's Cybersecurity Expo is designed to equip you with knowledge you can put to work right away.
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ATE PI Conference Orientation Webinar
Conference
October 15 Online
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) will be hosting a conference orientation webinar on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 2:00-3:00PM EDT. It will provide an overview of the 2025 ATE PI Conference’s agenda and share tips on how to maximize networking opportunities, manage your time, and navigate the event.
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Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2a Workshop
Workshop
October 16 Online
This is the second course in a two-part CMMC readiness series. Building on foundational knowledge, this course prepares learners to implement the required security controls from the NIST SP 800-171 framework and configure audit-readiness activities for CMMC certification. It also explores the use of modern tools and AI capabilities to streamline compliance and training processes.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the relationship between CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, FCI, and CUI.
- Assess CMMC applicability and readiness within an organization.
- Implement and manage NIST SP 800-171 controls using real-world tools.
- Track compliance tasks and progress using CMMC dashboards.
- Prepare for a third-party audit, including artifact collection and POA&M documentation.
- Use AI tools to build chatbots, training agents, and audit assistants to accelerate compliance readiness.
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Intro to Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot for Faculty and Staff
Workshop
October 16 Online
Participate in a custom series of instructor-led webinars designed to provide community college faculty and staff with a practical introduction to Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot. The two training sessions cover effective prompting, ethical AI use, and real-world applications for educators and administrators. Through interactive discussions and hands-on examples, participants will learn how to integrate AI tools into their workflows to enhance productivity and decision-making.
The first training, Introduction to Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot for Faculty and Staff, provides an essential overview of Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot. The follow-up trainings, focused on practical strategies for incorporating AI-driven tools into daily responsibilities, are divided into focused sessions for Faculty and for Staff.
Training session
Introduction to Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot for Faculty and Staff - Join this one-hour webinar designed for community college faculty and staff, exploring the fundamentals of Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot. It'll cover key topics including:
- What Generative AI is and how it works
- Ethical and responsible AI use
- Getting started with Copilot chat
- Effective prompting techniques for better AI interactions
- Practical use cases
Whether you’re new to AI or looking to refine your understanding, this session will provide practical insights and hands-on guidance to help integrate AI tools into your work.
Follow-up sessions
Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot for Faculty - October 21, 2025, 1 to 2 PM EST, online
Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot for Staff - October 21, 2025, 3 to 4 PM EST, online
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ACUBE's 69th Annual Meeting
Conference
October 17 Kingwood, TX
ACUBE gathers biology educators from colleges and universities across the country and beyond for a highly dynamic and interactive conference. In line with ACUBE's mission, come together to incubate new and innovative teaching ideas, to discuss strategies to involve student research in the biology curriculum, to improve advising and mentoring skills, to become informed about and contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning, and to develop and recognize excellence in teaching. Participants present from the whole spectrum of subdisciplines within biology. Come to be inspired and leave energized.
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ATE Projects and Centers
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 17-page article, provided by Indian River State College, presents the results of a quantum industry survey on the skills and competencies necessary in a quantum technician workforce, followed by recommendations for quantum technician curricula based on the survey results. The article provides an overview of the quantum industry in the United States and an analysis of current quantum education programs, highlighting the insufficient technical training in quantum technologies to meet the projected need for a quantum technician workforce. Additionally, the article discusses the EdQuantum project, which aims to create a curriculum in quantum technologies for technicians.
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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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In this activity, provided by Digital World Biology, students use free, online biotechnology resources to investigate how well different commercial antibodies might work against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Students will first use NextStrain.org to locate and detect the spike proteins of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Next, they will "use iCn3D and BLAST to align the sequence of the variant spike protein to a sequence of a spike protein that is bound to a commercial antibody." After identifying mutations in the antibody binding site, students will then compare "chemical bonds that would be formed between the original amino acid and the antibody with the predicted bonds that could be formed by the variant amino acid and predict whether their antibody will be effective against their variant."
Included is a 3-page instructor guide detailing each step of the activity, a 2-page student instructional sheet, activity materials, such as data spreadsheets, and an informational video on using...
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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.
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| Active ATE Centers | 16 |
| Active ATE Projects | 305 |
| ATE Resources | 6,950 |
| New Projects/Centers | 62 |
| New Resources | 56 |
ATE Resources by Subject Area
ATE Events by Subject Area
New Opportunity: NSF ATE Program Seeking Reviewers
The National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program is seeking reviewers to help evaluate proposals that advance technician education and the skilled technical workforce. This helps the ATE program funds research and development projects that strengthen two-year college STEM programs, industry partnerships, curriculum innovation, and pathways that prepare the next generation of skilled technicians.
Serving as a reviewer is a great way to contribute to the ATE community, support impactful projects, and gain insight into the NSF review process. Reviewers can be STEM professionals, community college STEM faculty and leaders, industry partners, evaluators, or STEM educators. To submit interest in becoming a reviewer, complete NSF’s survey here.
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New Research: Associate of Applied Science Degrees: Transfer Pathways and Barriers
In a recent report, the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research examines educational trends for associate of applied science (AAS) degrees, particularly those in business, information technology, and criminal justice. An increasing number of students with these credentials are transferring to four-year institutions instead of immediately entering the workforce post-graduation.
However, many AAS degree holders face challenges during the transfer process, including lower completion rates and lost program credits. Addressing these barriers is a pressing issue, with recent workforce data indicating an increasing demand for graduates with bachelor's degrees in business, information technology, and criminal justice.
To learn more about AAS trends, transfer challenges, and targeted recommendations, read the full Belk Center report.
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Upcoming Event: 2025 ATE PI Conference
Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) will be hosting this year’s ATE Principal Investigators’ (PI) Conference on October 29-31, 2025, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. The deadline for registration is October 2, 2025.
In its 32nd year, the conference will bring together more than 850 NSF ATE grantees and project collaborators to dive into the industry trends and current challenges shaping advanced technological education. The 2025 ATE PI Conference continues to support innovation and partnership in preparing the future skilled technician workforce. For both new and established projects and centers, this annual event provides a chance to gain valuable insights, network, and share advice or accomplishments. Spotlight sessions, learning labs, focused workshops, product demonstrations, and presentations will be available for attendees. Content will be applicable to a variety of STEM fields, including engineering technology, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, information technology, nanotechnology, and more.
To learn more about the upcoming ATE PI Conference, including details on registration,...
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New Issue: Community College Journal
The August/September issue of the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) Community College Journal is now available online and in print through subscription. A featured publication by AACC, this journal provides contemporary information, insights, strategies, and connections for those in academia, industry, government, and workforce development.
The latest issue highlights:
- AACC's announcement of its next president and CEO, DeRionne Pollard.
- Trends in the green building industry, including within higher education.
- The importance of organizational culture, culture-building, and leadership in quickly evolving landscapes.
- Ways to prevent burnout and initiative fatigue in the face of rapid change.
AACC's August/September publication of the Community College Journal can be accessed online here, and archived issues can be viewed in AACC’s library.
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