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.

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.


(View More)

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.


(View More)

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.


(View More)

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.


(View More)

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!

(View More)

NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference

Conference

December 8 Nashville, TN

The NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference is the premier event for K-12th grade cybersecurity educators. In its 11th year, the NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference has gathered the most dynamic and innovative cybersecurity education leaders and professionals from across the US for an intensive, highly collaborative exploration to promote the discovery of cybersecurity careers and multiple pathways, identify methods to transform learning and much more. 

The NICE K12 Conference is known to cybersecurity-related educators and educational stakeholders as the best place to engage with the thought leaders and pioneers leading the charge in classrooms, schools, districts, and regional and statewide cybersecurity education programs. The NICE K12 Conference is the national hub for providing resources in innovative teaching and learning for K12 educators to inspire their students to be the future cybersecurity workforce.


(View More)

Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Educators

Workshop

December 8 Godfrey, IL

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.

This workshop also includes a 4-hour virtual session on December 12.


(View More)

ACTE CareerTech VISION

Conference

December 9 Nashville, TN

ACTE's CareerTech VISION is the must-attend event for career and technical education (CTE) professionals. Happening Dec. 9-12 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, VISION offers comprehensive programming covering high-quality CTE in secondary and postsecondary environments and emerging trends in the field to help career and technical educators thrive in their careers. VISION provides attendees with a rich array of networking opportunities, an Expo, hundreds of concurrent program sessions, and numerous networking opportunities.


(View More)

Community Conversations: Reflecting on 2025 – Lessons Learned

Meeting

December 16 Online

In this community conversation, ATE PIs, project evaluators, and staff will reflect on the lessons learned throughout 2025 and discuss how these insights can be applied to enhance evaluation practices moving forward.


(View More)

Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences

Conference

January 6 Lahaina, HI

Since 1968, the Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS) has been known worldwide as the longest-standing working scientific conferences in Information Technology Management. HICSS provides a highly interactive working environment for top scholars from academia and the industry from over 60 countries to exchange ideas in various areas of information, computer, and system sciences. According to Microsoft Academic, HICSS ranks the 36th in terms of citations among 4,444 conferences in all fields worldwide.


(View More)

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.


(View More)

Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration (CIEC)

Conference

February 3 New Orleans, LA

This year’s 50th annual ASEE Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration (CIEC) is organized by the Cooperative and Experiential Education Division (CEED), the College Industry Partnership Division (CIPD), the Continuing, Professional, and Online Education Division (CPOED), and the Engineering Technology Division (ETD). Since 1976, this conference has served as a platform for workshops, technical sessions, training, and plenary keynote addresses and panels, highlighting the long-standing and mutually beneficial partnerships among education, industry, and government. The 2026 CIEC will be held at the Hotel Monteleone from February 3 to 6. This year’s conference theme is Transforming Tomorrow Together!


(View More)

Geo Week

Conference

February 16 Denver, CO

Geo Week brings together geospatial and mapping professionals to explore how data, maps, and advanced technologies can deepen our understanding of the world and inform solutions for complex challenges. Designed for decision-makers and problem-solvers, the conference program helps attendees solve real-world challenges by offering insights from industry leaders, peer-driven case studies, expert panels, and collaborative roundtable discussions.


(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
 

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.


(View More)

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)

The ATE Impacts book, published every two years by Internet Scout Research Group, showcases all of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) centers and selected nominated projects. The NSF ATE program focuses on the education of highly-qualified science and engineering technicians for advanced technology fields. Through the program's grant process, the NSF promotes the improvement of STEM education of science and engineering technicians at the undergraduate and secondary school levels, and in the workforce.

This 2024-2025 Impacts book provides data on the NSF ATE program, a foreword by NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, an introduction, and summaries of the activities and accomplishments of 24 ATE centers and 36 projects. Website addresses are included for all of the centers and projects. A map is also included that provides geographic location information that is intended to help connect educators, employers, and students with the ATE...


(View More)

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...


(View More)

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.


(View More)
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 the Community College Journal cover with books and coffee on a desk

New Issue: Community College Journal


The October/November 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:

  • Trends surrounding community college-awarded bachelor's degrees.
  • Succession strategies for future community college leaders.
  • Impact of the 2012 "Reclaiming the American Dream" report from the 21-Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges.

AACC's October/November publication of the Community College Journal can be accessed online here, and archived issues can be viewed in AACC’s library.


(View More)
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.


(View More)
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.
 


(View More)