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.

CONNEX Update: With Special Guest Kirti Patel, CMO

Webinar

January 15

Join Chief Manufacturing Officer Kirti Patel for this informational webinar on new additions to the CONNEX platform. CONNEX Connecticut is an online platform that connects all U.S. manufacturers and suppliers with a single, accurate, and searchable supply-chain solution.

In this webinar, talk about:

  • CONNEX Marketplace Site Updates: Hear about new features and functionality recently added
  • Workforce Module: Introducing CONNEX Marketplace’s Workforce Module. This module provides access to workforce organizations and educators that shape and develop the next generation of Connecticut’s manufacturing workforce.

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Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot Training for Community College Faculty and Staff: 101

Webinar

January 15

This session is designed for community college faculty and staff exploring the fundamentals of Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot. Topics include Generative AI and responsible AI use, effective prompting techniques, and real-world applications in education. This session will provide practical insights and hands-on guidance to help integrate AI tools into your work.


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NCyTE Monthly Meeting: Evaluating CAE Cybersecurity Career Outcomes

Webinar

January 16

Join NCyTE’s January Monthly Meeting where Dr. Tobi West will share her research into how well Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) programs prepare students for cybersecurity careers. 

The session will highlight findings from a ten-month study involving 281 students from 36 colleges and universities across the U.S. The research examined the types of cybersecurity jobs CAE alumni secured after graduation and assessed how closely those positions align with the 52 cybersecurity work roles defined in the recently updated NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NIST). 

Presenter: Dr. Tobi West


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Google's Generative AI Leader Training and Certification

Meeting

January 16 Online

Become one of the first go-to resources and thought leaders in Generative AI Leadership, enhancing your visibility and influence within the organization. This no-cost opportunity, funded by Google Cloud’s Career Launchpad, and in collaboration with NAAIC, will prepare community college faculty for the Google Cloud Generative AI Leader certification.

The training will cover:
- Fundamentals of Gen AI
- Google Cloud's Gen AI offerings
- Techniques to improve Gen AI model output
- Gen AI business strategies

Training sessions
Session 1: January 16, 2026, 10 to 4:30 PM EST, online  
Session 2: January 23, 2026, 10 to 4:30 PM EST, online
Office hours (optional): January 30, 2:30 to 4 PM EST, online
Certification exam deadline: January 31, 2026


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Octet Bio-Layer Interferometry: Accelerating Breakthroughs in Biologics Development

Webinar

January 16

Discover how Octet Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) is transforming the landscape of biologics research and development. In this webinar, Dr. Rodrigo Jacamo will showcase the unmatched capabilities of Octet BLI in streamlining workflows across cell line development, antibody discovery, drug development, cell therapy, and gene therapy. Whether you're optimizing clone selection, characterizing binding kinetics, or accelerating therapeutic screening, Octet BLI delivers real-time, label-free analysis with exceptional sensitivity and throughput.

Learn how leading scientists are leveraging Octet systems to reduce timelines, increase data confidence, and make faster decisions in critical stages of development. Experts will walk you through application-specific case studies, demonstrate assay versatility, and answer your questions live.


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SPIE Photonics West 2026

Conference

January 19 Online

SPIE Photonics West is the premier event for lasers, biomedical optics, optoelectronics, and technologies supporting biophotonic, quantum, and vision applications. 

View the lineup of outstanding plenary speakers from around the globe. Select advanced training from 60 course options. Discuss your product requirements with top optics and photonics suppliers at any of the five exhibitions throughout the week, and participate in the strong industry program – this year now on three stages! 


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Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot for Community College Faculty: 102

Webinar

January 20

This follow-up webinar is designed for faculty looking to integrate Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot into their curriculum. We'll start with a brief review of Copilot Chat, then explore practical strategies for incorporating AI-driven tools into lesson plans. We'll also examine real-world use cases from various disciplines.


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Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot for Community College Faculty: 102

Webinar

January 20

This follow-up webinar is designed for faculty looking to integrate Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot into their curriculum. We'll start with a brief review of Copilot Chat, then explore practical strategies for incorporating AI-driven tools into lesson plans. We'll also examine real-world use cases from various disciplines.


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Community Capabilities Webinar | The NCERC Experience

Webinar

January 21

The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a nationally recognized Biorefining Center of Excellence dedicated to advancing the commercialization of biofuels, biochemicals, biomaterials, and other bio-based products. NCERC offers a comprehensive range of workforce development programs, including job shadowing, internships, graduate assistantships, and visiting research fellow programs, as well as professional workshops. Through the various programs, trainees gain real-world experience inside a functioning biomanufacturing pilot plant and are equipped with the skills needed to lead in a rapidly evolving biobased economy. 


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Microsoft Azure AI-900 Training

Webinar

January 23

Are you a community college faculty member eager to equip your students with the AI skills employers are seeking right now? To help you become a confident instructor of Microsoft AI content, you are invited to apply for a complimentary, two-day train-the-trainer bootcamp designed to fully prepare you for the AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certification. This intensive program also introduces you to Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE), offering access to official courseware, hands-on labs, and curated teaching resources.

The online training will be delivered by Black Dog Black Cat, a Microsoft Certified Trainer, and will include materials, labs, and resources. AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certification exam vouchers will be available to all educators who successfully complete both training sessions. Online proctoring will be available at a discounted rate of ~$30 and instructions on how to take your certification exam online will be provided.

Following the training, a Teams channel will be available for the MSLE AI Bootcamp educators, including training materials, session recordings, and a forum to post your questions regarding MSLE access and the AI-900 certification exam.


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Introducing BioSuite Virtual: Immersive Biomanufacturing Training for Tomorrow’s Workforce

Webinar

January 23

Join Jared DeCoste and Dan Beaupré of Prism Immersive for an introduction to BioSuite Virtual—a mixed-reality training platform developed to expand access to high-quality, job-ready biomanufacturing education.

Developed with industry and academic support and integrated with BioSciences Core Skills Institute (BCSI) credentials, BioSuite Virtual enables learners to perform end-to-end upstream bioprocesses—from bioreactor assembly and aseptic technique to fermentation monitoring and analysis—within an interactive virtual laboratory. Its innovative learning design contextualizes the development of critical skills with the guidance and flexibility needed for effective, self-paced learning.


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Spray Drone End User Conference

Conference

January 25 Kansas City, MO

The Spray Drone End User Conference is the only event built for the industry, by the industry. This five-day, full-scope experience brings together the best minds in aerial application, drone technology, and ag business to help you sharpen your skills, grow your network, and move your business forward. This is the largest ag drone-focused event in North America.

In-person and virtual options available.


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AMTEC Institute Community of Practice: BILT Basics

Webinar

January 27

Join this an engaging introduction to the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) Model—a collaborative approach that keeps educational programs aligned with industry needs. Learn about the model’s core principles and how employer input can boost program relevance. BILT is recognized nationally for transforming how educators and industry work together, and you’ll see how it can strengthen partnerships with local employers.


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ATE Projects and Centers





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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 lab, presented by the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure, will help students begin to understand nanotechnology, specifically behaviors of materials at the nanoscale. Students will "explore two factors affecting the thin film deposition, film cracking and the formation of 'coffee rings.'" A teacher's preparatory guide is included, featuring needed materials, detailed procedural instructions, and additional resources, as well as a copy of the student worksheet with answers. The student worksheet is available as well.


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This 34-page article, published by Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, presents the results from interviews with National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grantees and provides "insights into how some community college technician programs have approached education and training in ways that were intentionally linked to regional economic development." Highlighted throughout the article are specific, detailed examples of economic development activities conducted by ATE grantees, such strategies for working with local businesses or attracting employers to the grantee's region. Also included are "recommendations for current and future ATE grantees interested in promoting economic development." The article consists of the following parts:

  • Background
  • Methods
  • Focus on Economic Development
  • Industry Alignment for Education and Training
  • Business Support and Regional Engagement
  • Collaborations
  • Conclusions

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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, Seethal Meda discusses her experiences with Montgomdery Community College's biotechnology and biomanufacturing program. Seethal describes her experience reentering the workforce after a 15 year break, overcoming anxiety around taking classes in a different country, and presenting her internship project at the ATE conference in Washington DC. Funding for the program from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is also explored.

The video runs 5:56 minutes in length.


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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 289
ATE Resources 6,992
New Projects/Centers 62
New Resources 60

ATE Resources by Subject Area

ATE Events by Subject Area

 
image of the magazine cover with books and coffee

New Issue: Community College Journal


The December/January 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 community colleges' efforts to:

  • Address rural healthcare shortages by training and retaining nurses
  • Expand programs for truck drivers to meet growing workforce needs
  • Connect curricula more strongly to employment and opportunity 

AACC's December/January 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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event banner

Upcoming Event: Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration (CIEC)


The 50th annual American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration (CIEC) will take place February 3–6, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Organized by ASEE’s Cooperative and Experiential Education Division (CEED), College Industry Partnership Division (CIPD), Continuing, Professional, and Online Education Division (CPOED), and Engineering Technology Division (ETD), the conference brings together educators, government representatives, and industry professionals to build effective and sustainable partnerships.

Attendees will be able to engage in poster sessions, workshops, training programs, keynote presentations, and panel discussions. The theme for 2026 is “Transforming Tomorrow Together.”

For more information or to register, visit ASEE’s website.


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image of innovation in STEM

NSF Announces $30 Million Investment in STEM Research Centers


The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced a $30 million investment to establish NSF EPSCoR Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) across the states of Montana, Idaho, and Louisiana. These new centers will seek to expand research efforts, deepen STEM knowledge, and strengthen workforce development in priority areas, including semiconductors, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.

EPSCoR CRESTs will act as research hubs that also aim to attract and prepare more students for careers in STEM disciplines.

  • Montana: Montana Technological University will launch a center focused on converting local biomass, such as beetle-killed trees, into biochar and renewable energy sources.
  • Idaho: Boise State University will establish the a center integrating semiconductor science into classroom experiences to advance workforce preparation.
  • Louisiana: Lousiana State University (LSU) New Orleans and Shreveport will create centers for adaptive nanotechnology and biotechnology.

To learn more about this recent investment, visit NSF's website.


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