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. 

Save the date for the National Science Foundation's (NSF) upcoming Fall 2023 Virtual Grants Conference, scheduled for December 4 to December 7, 2023. Tailored for researchers, faculty members, and administrators, this virtual event promises a comprehensive exploration of NSF's latest programs and initiatives.

The conference agenda encompasses critical subjects such as proposal preparation, the NSF merit review process, directorate sessions, award management, conflict of interest policies, and updates to the NSF system. Regardless of professional experience, attendees can anticipate invaluable insights into current issues, policies, and procedures relevant to NSF grants.

Registration is currently open, offering participants access to a detailed overview of NSF's funding opportunities. The conference aims to equip attendees with the knowledge required to adeptly navigate the complexities of NSF grants, making it an indispensable experience for both seasoned professionals and newcomers.

For further details and registration, visit the NSF Virtual Grants Conference website.

In a move towards addressing challenges in the higher education transfer process, the U.S. Department of Education has released data spotlighting top-performing community colleges and universities facilitating seamless transitions for students. The announcement was made at a summit on transfer policy improvement held at Northern Virginia Community College, attended by leaders in higher education and government officials from 11 states.

Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education, emphasized the disproportionate impact of credit transfer issues on students of color, who predominantly attend community colleges. He underscored the urgency of streamlining the transfer process, citing the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against using race in admissions. Cardona stated, "No one will solve this challenge in isolation. We need leaders across higher education to collaborate intentionally."

The newly released data draws on an eight-year analysis of approximately 620,000 students who received federal financial aid and enrolled in a community college in 2014. Utilizing information from the National Student Loan Data System, the assessment evaluates the performance of institutions nationwide...

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has unveiled its PrepareCTP Seed Grant program, aimed at bolstering partnership building at community colleges and similar two-year degree-granting institutions. The grant focuses on preparing skilled technical workers (STW) in the chemical enterprise, referred to as chemical technical professionals (CTPs). With awards of up to $20,000, the grant program supports activities such as student stipends/scholarships, faculty workload release, instrumentation purchases, and other initiatives conducive to the preparation and recruitment of chemical technical professionals. The deadline for proposal submissions is now Dec.15, 2023. 

This initiative aligns with ACS's Strategic Initiative for Fostering a Skilled Technical Workforce, emphasizing the recruitment and engagement of a diverse group of students and potential employees in the chemical industry. Community colleges will receive financial support for training chemical technical professionals through activities including stipends, internships, equipment purchases, and partnership building with local businesses. The program seeks to assist students and faculty within programs that prepare chemical...

Colleges and universities are experiencing a surge in overall undergraduate enrollment this semester, marking the first increase since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted higher education. However, this growth is not uniform, as the number of incoming freshmen has declined by 3.6 percent, reversing gains seen in the previous year. The rise in undergraduate enrollment is primarily driven by Black, Hispanic, and Asian students, with historically Black colleges and universities witnessing a remarkable 6.1 percent increase.

Notably, community colleges account for nearly 60 percent of the growth in undergraduate enrollment, mainly due to dual-enrollment programs allowing high school students to take college classes. This shift is seen as positive news for community colleges and for returning students who may have faced challenges during the pandemic. Graduate enrollment has also seen a slight increase, particularly in graduate certificate programs, while students increasingly favor shorter-term credentials over traditional degrees.

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center's data, which captures information through September 28, offers an encouraging outlook for higher education...

Many community college students often pursue multiple goals simultaneously. Recent findings from the Strada Education Foundation reveal that over half (55%) of individuals who attended two-year colleges within the past decade had at least two goals in mind, and a significant proportion (33%) had three or more goals.

The Strada Education Foundation conducted a survey of former community college students who are not currently enrolled to understand the various educational pathways they intended to complete upon enrollment. Respondents had the option to select multiple types of degrees, credentials, or other attainment goals. Approximately 65% of respondents stated that their primary objective during enrollment was to earn a credential, such as an associate degree or certificate, or to facilitate the transfer of their coursework to another educational institution. The remaining one-third indicated that they were seeking courses for skill development, professional growth, or personal enrichment. 

A more in-depth analysis reveals the intricate overlap of these goals. For instance, among the 65% who reported transfer or degree goals, more than half (55%) were also interested in skill...