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.

Girls In Aviation Day (Glyndon, MN)

Student Event

September 19 Glyndon, MN

Join Girls in Aviation Day 2026 at the Moorhead Municipal Airport! This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages, with hands-on activities designed especially for youth ages 5–18. Discover the exciting world of aviation through interactive experiments, creative crafts, and inspiring conversations with local aviation professionals. Enjoy food trucks on-site and explore a variety of aviation careers from companies making a difference in our area. Whether you're dreaming of flying planes, designing them, or fixing them—there’s something for everyone to explore!


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Girls In Aviation Day at Flying Cloud Airport

Student Event

September 19 Eden Prairie, MN

This is a free, limited-space event for the community to learn more about the aviation industry. The content of GIAD is geared toward girls ages 8 to 17, but everyone is welcome to attend! Bring your family, friends, troop, and group to learn more about STEM and aviation careers, including pilots, mechanics, and MORE! 


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International Whey Conference

Conference

September 20 Chicago, IL

The Whey Ahead will feature a distinguished list of global experts sharing current research and trends, health and nutrition benefits, new product applications and critical processing techniques.  


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Commercializing Industrial Biotechnology (CIB)

Conference

September 22 Chicago, IL

The Commercializing Industrial Biotechnology (CIB) conference spotlights best practices, lessons learned, and technology innovations for accelerating commercial production of bio-based products and building the circular bioeconomy. This is the premier conference focused on scale-up and commercialization of new products in the synthetic biology, fermentation, and industrial biotechnology spaces. 

You’ll engage with industrial biotech leaders and practitioners as you explore the latest in the field — including developments that are driving a new wave of products. At CIB, you'll hear hard-won lessons from industry veterans — and draw inspiration for your own technology development efforts while learning and networking about new enabling technologies, products, market needs, and companies. 


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2026 National Cybersecurity Virtual Career Fair

Student Event

September 22 Online

This virtual career fair connects students from institutions designated as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber-Defense (CAE-CD), Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), and Research (CAE-R), as well as Candidate program institutions, with cybersecurity employers.


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Evaluation Reports Everyone Can Use: Accessibility Practices for ATE Evaluators

Webinar

September 23

A well-written evaluation report still falls short if people can’t actually access it. For evaluators working with NSF ATE projects, accessibility means more than meeting federal standards under ADA Title II, which applies to public institutions and the digital content they produce. It means creating reports that everyone can access and understand in order to make sound evaluation decisions.

This webinar walks through what evaluators need to know to prepare accessible reports. Presenters will cover document structure, plain language and formatting practices, and other considerations for anyone communicating evaluation findings. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can put to use in your next report, whether you’re just starting to think about accessibility or want to sharpen practices you already have in place.

Accessibility isn’t an extra step. It’s part of what quality evaluation work looks like. Join to make sure your reports reach everyone they’re meant to reach.


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A Proven Pathway to NSF ATE Success

Webinar

September 23

Tap into expert guidance and insider ATE Program knowledge—without spending a dime! Join this information-filled webinar to explore the latest solicitation and learn how free mentoring through Mentor-Connect can help you develop a competitive, successful proposal.


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AMTEC Community of Practice: Turning Industry Trends into Classroom Opportunities

Webinar

September 24

Join the AMTEC Institute for Industry 4.0 Innovation (NSF ATE DUE 2350012) Community of Practice session on September 24th at 3pm (CT)! As automation and AI continue to transform manufacturing, workforce readiness has never been more important. Christelle Keefer, A3's Director of Training and Certification, will lead the session and explore today's workforce challenges, the growing skills gap, and practical strategies for preparing students for high-demand careers. Learn how A3's vendor-neutral training, certifications, and educational resources can help educators integrate Industry 4.0 concepts into the classroom and strengthen the connection between education and industry.


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MATE ROV Academy Teacher Workshop - Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Workshop

September 25 Sheboygan, WI

This free teacher workshop covers the scientific and technical concepts behind underwater robotics and ROV building. Dive into the scientific and technical concepts behind underwater robotics and learn how to apply them to building a SeaMATE ROV kit, practice navigation skills in the pool, and develop strategies to prepare a student team for the MATE ROV Competition. Participants receive a SeaMATE ROV kit, power supply, MATE ROV Academy toolkit, and Underwater Robotics textbook along with travel support.


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Lead Through the Noise

Summit

September 28 Washington, DC

Today’s community college leader faces constant change and disruption. Lead Through the Noise is a special edition of AACC’s Future Leaders and Presidents Institutes programming which will focus on the skills needed to better navigate challenges while setting yourself up to model the resilience, agility, and emotional intelligence needed in today’s world. Sessions will be rooted in the AACC Competencies for Community College Leaders in addition to special topics such as navigating disruptions, sensemaking in a complex environment, and treading in politicized waters.


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Fueling the Future: Nuclear Energy

Meeting

September 28 Online

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

Please come to these sessions prepared to share your experiences and ideas on the specified topic (what has worked or maybe what hasn’t worked). If you don’t have experiences or ideas on the specific topic, please come and learn from your colleagues.  This will be an opportunity to share and brainstorm ideas together. 


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EDUCAUSE Annual Conference

Conference

September 29 Denver, CO

The EDUCAUSE Annual Conference connects the best thinkers in higher education technology.

This is an event where professionals and technology providers from around the world gather to network, share ideas, grow professionally, and discover solutions to today’s challenges. It’s the largest gathering of your peers…people you can relate to, learn from, and stay connected to throughout the year.


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National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers Annual Conference 2026

Conference

September 30 Tacoma, WA

The National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC) is an Affiliated Council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) catalyzing a network of higher education and industry-led Strategic Partner resources that advocates, advises, and promotes the use of advanced technology applications to enhance economic and workforce development programs and services. With over 160 members from community and technical colleges, universities, CTE high schools, adult education organizations and the corporate community, NCATC provides great networking opportunities at both their Summer Workshop and Fall Conference every year.


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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 video from Internet Scout Research Group is intended to accompany the 2026-2027 Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Impacts book, which showcases the role two-year community and technical colleges play in building the skilled technical workforce. The accompanying videos share the experiences of ATE students and perspectives from the ATE community, highlighting the impact these initiatives have on lives and careers.

Using an ATE grant, Bridgerland Technical College (BTC) has built an automation and manufacturing program that meets the need for skilled technicians in northern Utah. In this video, Mat Fuller, Automation Program Head at BTC, and Besim Hojhalli, Controls Engineer at industry partner SAE, share how BTC’s ATE grant has allowed them to scale the curriculum, support more students, and develop a network of industry partners. Fuller and Hojhalli discuss how the program’s industry advisory committee supports curriculum development and hands-on learning opportunities for...


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This resource, published by Portland Community College, is the first issue of the third volume of J ATE. 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.

The issue spans 167 pages and focuses on community college faculty work and research. Included are 17 full articles and a guest letter from Kalyn Owens, ATE program director. Listed below is each article and corresponding DOI...


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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, Zachary Gorman discusses his experiences with the LASER-TEC program at Indian River State College. Throught the video, Zachary narrates his career path from being in the military to deciding to back to school and discusses how the LASER-TEC program prepared him for his job in photonics. Funding for the program from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is also explored.

The video runs 5:28 minutes in length.


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This lesson, presented by the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure, introduces elementary students to the concept of using tools to gather information about the world around them. This provides a useful skill foundation for students as they continue into middle and high school and encounter more complex tools. Especially for nanotechnology, the use of tools is extremely important because our knowledge of nanoscale objects relies entirely on the data collected from those tools. Included in this lesson are: Student Worksheet #1, Student Worksheet #2, Student Worksheet #3, Optional Tool Matching set k-2, Optional Tool Matching set 3-5, Center Directions - Matching, Center Directions - Seeing, Word Match Sheet, and Tool Cards.


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Biofab Explorer, provided by CAST, is a "free career guidance resource created to attract and inspire students to the emerging field of biofabrication." On the front page of Biofab Explorer, learners can read about the biofabrication process, watch biofab case study videos, and explore the biofab careers page, which includes video testimonials and information on several careers in biotechnology. Also featured are biofab challenges, which make up a "series of work-based learning simulations that will model what it is like to work in the biofabrication industry." Throughout the challenges, students will practice real-world skills, such as data analysis, communication, and observation. Included are student worksheets and presentation slides. Additionally, Biofab Explorer includes information for teachers regarding using resources on the website for in-class activities.


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Active ATE Centers 14
Active ATE Projects 257
ATE Resources 7,149
New Projects/Centers 92
New Resources 123

ATE Resources by Subject Area

ATE Events by Subject Area

 

Upcoming Webinars: Evalu-ATE and Mentor-Connect

On September 23, both Evalu-ATE and Mentor-Connect are hosting webinars regarding evaluation and funding opportunities. From 12 p.m.- 1 p.m. CST, Evalu-ATE is hosting “Evaluation Reports Everyone Can Use: Accessibility Practices for ATE Evaluators.” This webinar will explore what evaluators need to know to prepare accessible reports. Information on document structure, plain language, formatting, and other communication strategies will be provided. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to implement while writing their next report! 

After this webinar, join Mentor-Connect and NSF to explore funding opportunities! This webinar will take place at 2 pm CST and inform attendees on how free mentoring through Mentor-Connect can help you to develop both a competitive and successful proposal. 

To learn more about these webinars or to register, visit the Evalu-ATE webinar page and the Mentor-Connect registration page. 


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Upcoming Event: ATE PI Conference

The annual ATE Principal Investigators (PI) conference is taking place this year from October 21-23 in Washington, D.C. This conference is hosted by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF), with more than 800 NSF ATE grantees and partners in attendance. Registration is primarily limited to the principal investigator, co-principal investigators, and team members of ATE-funded grants. Additional attendees may register through association with an ATE grant team. This year's theme is “ATE in Action,” reflecting the work of the projects and centers that make the ATE community strong. 

The ATE conference is an opportunity for the national ATE community to convene, advancing STEM technician education through the leadership of community and technical colleges working in partnership with business and industry, secondary and postsecondary education, and other key stakeholders. The deadline to register for the conference is September 24th. 

To learn more about the conference or to register, visit the ATE in Action website. 


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New Issue: Community College Journal

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has released the August/September edition of the Community College Journal! This journal offers contemporary information, insights, strategies, and connections for those in academia, industry, government, and workforce development.

 This edition, entitled “Beyond the Classroom,” includes information on student housing solutions, community colleges refining their library experiences for students, and the role community colleges play in civic engagement. The August/September publication is available online, and archived issues can be viewed in the AACC library. 


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