Advanced Technological Education
The Advanced Technological Education program supports the education of technicians in high-tech fields via partnerships between academic institutions, industry, and development agencies, emphasizing faculty-led projects and credit-bearing courses in collaboration with various entities to enhance technician education.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: October 7, 2027 (Full proposals, 5 p.m. submitting organization's local time)
Funding Amounts: $74 million estimated program funding; project and center awards up to $7.5 million
Summary: Supports technician education for high-technology industries through curriculum, educator development, career pathways, and applied education research.
Key Information: Two-year institutions awarding advanced technology degrees and their faculty must have significant leadership roles on every project.
Description
The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, administered by NSF's Directorate for STEM Education, improves education for science and engineering technicians, with a focus on two-year institutions. It supports partnerships among academic institutions, industry, and economic development agencies to meet workforce needs. Supported activities include curriculum and educational materials development, professional development for faculty and secondary teachers, career pathways, teacher preparation, entrepreneurial skills, and applied research on technician education.
ATE seeks to produce more qualified technicians and strengthen their technical skills and STEM preparation. Priorities include rural technician education, broader participation in the technical workforce, recruitment and completion of students with disabilities, veterans' pathways, and emerging industry needs such as artificial intelligence. Projects should build on relevant prior ATE work and demonstrate institutional impact, measurable local workforce benefits, and potential regional or national impact.
