In fall 2023, undergraduate enrollment in the U.S. experienced a 1.2 percent increase, marking the first rise since the pandemic. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center's latest report revealed a growth of approximately 176,000 students nationally.

Notably, community colleges thrived with a 2.6 percent enrollment boost, indicating a positive recovery from pandemic-related losses. Community colleges focusing on vocational programs saw a remarkable 16 percent surge. Associate degree program enrollments rose by 2.2 percent, surpassing the 0.7 percent increase in bachelor's degree program enrollments.

Despite these gains, overall enrollments remain below fall 2019 levels. Furthermore, two-year public colleges and for-profit institutions experienced continued employment declines, with community colleges witnessing a 4.35 percent reduction in staff from 2020 to 2022.

The S-STEM REC (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship Program Resource Center) and the National Science Foundation are set to host a series of four S-STEM Proposal Preparation Webinars from January 22 to January 25, 2024.

The webinars aim to provide valuable insights and support for prospective S-STEM grantees, focusing on the 2024 S-STEM solicitation and the proposal preparation process.

Two sessions will address general questions about the new solicitation, while the other two will delve into discussions and questions specific to S-STEM projects at two-year colleges and minority-serving institutions. The webinars will feature Q&A sessions with NSF S-STEM program officers and panel discussions with S-STEM Principal Investigators. Participants will have the opportunity to register for sessions tailored to their institution types, fostering a collaborative environment for proposal preparation.

Don't miss the chance to engage with experts and enhance your understanding of the S-STEM program. Register and find more information on the S-STEM website.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has partnered with five philanthropic organizations to launch the Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDoT) program, committing $16 million to prioritize ethical and social considerations in emerging technologies. The collaborative initiative aims to embed ethical, legal, community, and societal considerations throughout the lifecycle of technology, promoting public well-being and mitigating potential harms. 

The ReDDDoT program invites multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams to submit proposals that examine responsible design, development, and deployment of technologies, aligning with the principles specified in the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022." The program is supported by philanthropic partners, including the Ford Foundation, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, Siegel Family Endowment, and the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation.

Key goals of ReDDDoT include stimulating research and innovation, creating inclusive communities of interest, educating the STEM workforce on responsible practices, accelerating societal and economic benefits, and empowering marginalized...

In a bid to empower users with valuable insights, the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) recently introduced the NCSES Knowledge Base. Launched as a user-centric resource, this platform offers self-service solutions to common queries related to NCSES data and tools.

The current repository features articles on various topics, including:
- Understanding and Using Public Use Files
- How to Build a Table
- How to Build a Chart
- How to Use Custom Dimensions

NCSES eagerly anticipates collaborative efforts with its users to enrich and refine this self-help repository. Users are encouraged to direct inquiries about NCSES data or tools to [email protected]. Explore the NCSES Knowledge Base on the NCSES website. 

The eagerly anticipated BEST Center 2024 National Institute is slated to take place online from January 4th to 5th, 2024, starting at 8:00 am for two days. Co-hosted by BEST and LBNL, this premier event is geared towards college faculty, students, and technical professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and application of high-performance building operations.

The central theme of this year's institute is "Less Carbon, More Action! Strategies for Buildings & Technician Education." Explore cutting-edge topics such as decarbonization through energy conservation, electrification, distributed energy resources & grid load flexibility, innovative technology research, building performance standards, residential and commercial demonstration projects, and education and workforce opportunities for "smart" buildings, building automation & commercial HVAC.

The institute offers a unique opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in building technology and educational strategies at the intersection of technician education, sustainability, energy conservation, clean energy, healthy building operations, and climate change mitigation policies. Join a dynamic lineup of speakers...

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) has been a key player for over 60 years in preparing a highly skilled and diverse workforce to tackle challenges in energy, national security, and the environment. Leveraging the resources of the DOE's 17 national laboratories, WDTS offers unparalleled opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce development.

Through rigorous evaluation and best practices, WDTS stands out in the STEM community, providing high-quality programs at pre-college, postsecondary, and graduate levels. Thousands of students and educators from across the nation, including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia, participate in WDTS programs annually.

The six core programs of WDTS cover faculty and undergraduate students, offering experiences at DOE national labs. Programs like Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI), Community College Internships (CCI), and Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) aim to turn STEM learning into STEM careers. Graduate students benefit from the Office of Science Graduate Student Research...

Dive into the intricate world of micro and nano technicians with the "Talking Technicians Podcast," hosted by Peter Kazarinoff. This podcast delves deep into the lives and roles of these technicians, unraveling their unique stories, responsibilities, and the path that led them to this specialized field. Supported by the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE), the podcast is a valuable resource for anyone curious about the fascinating realm of micro and nano technology.

Listeners can catch the latest episodes on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, gaining insights into the cutting-edge advancements and challenges faced by technicians in this evolving field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, the Talking Technicians Podcast provides a platform to explore the diverse facets of micro and nano technology.

Stay tuned for engaging conversations, expert insights, and a closer look at the individuals shaping the future of this dynamic industry.

Other Ways to Listen:

• YouTube
• MNT-EC Website

Recent Episodes: 

Recent episodes cover various roles from senior...

Enrollment in classes across the Alabama Community College System is surging for the spring semester, marking the third consecutive year of statewide increases. Following a notable 6 percent rise in fall semester enrollment for academic and technical programs, reaching the highest level since 2017, the momentum continues into spring with registrations already showing a remarkable increase of over 17 percent compared to the same period last year. Notably, dual enrollment, allowing high school students to earn college credit, has seen a 17 percent increase from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023 and has risen more than 65 percent since 2015.

The growth is not limited to for-credit programs, as noncredit workforce-connected programs are also witnessing an uptick. Over 27,700 residents are participating in training programs that offer industry-recognized credentials within weeks, contributing to the state's workforce development. The Alabama Community College System's commitment to partnerships, wraparound services, scholarships, and career services is resonating with residents and employers, making it a vital resource in fulfilling local workforce needs. The chancellor emphasized that supporting...

According to a New America survey, Americans express a higher level of comfort with their tax dollars supporting community colleges compared to other sectors of higher education, according to the findings of an annual survey by New America. The survey reveals that over 82% of respondents feel at ease with their taxpayer dollars contributing to community colleges, while the comfort level drops to 69% for public four-year universities. Additionally, a notable 58% of participants believe that public two-year colleges are underfunded by states and the federal government, in contrast to 50% who express the same sentiment for public four-year institutions.

Notably, there is a partisan divide in the survey results, with Democrats exhibiting greater support for both tax allocation and government funding toward community colleges compared to their Republican counterparts. This trend is consistent across both political groups, showcasing a shared sentiment that community colleges warrant increased financial support compared to public four-year institutions.

Join the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) at their annual Workforce Development Institute (WDI) in 2024. Themed "Bridges," this dynamic event is scheduled to take place from January 23 to 26 in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. 

This year's WDI promises a diverse and enriching experience, featuring engaging sessions and valuable opportunities for professional development. Attendees can choose from an array of preconference and post-conference sessions, covering topics such as initiating workforce leadership, rural economic development, and the entrepreneurial mindset of a workforce professional. Registration is now open, with special early bird rates available until October 15, 2023. For detailed program information and registration, visit AACC WDI 2024 Registration.

Join the AACC in exploring the vital role of community colleges in workforce development and building bridges to a brighter future. Read more about the development institute on the AACC website as well.