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 1, 2026 (Application deadline) | October 7, 2027 (Annual full proposals and Information Technologies Centers) | October 5, 2028 (Biotechnology and Emerging Advanced Technology Centers)
Funding Amounts: $74 million total program funding; track budgets up to $475,000–$7.5 million over three to five years
Summary: Supports science and engineering technician education through curriculum development, educator development, career pathways, and applied 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 Division of Undergraduate Education within the Directorate for STEM Education, supports education for the skilled technical workforce. It focuses on two-year institutions and partnerships among academic institutions, industry, and economic development agencies. Supported work includes curriculum and educational materials development, professional development, career pathways, teacher preparation, faculty leadership development, entrepreneurial skills, and applied research on technician education.
ATE aims to produce more qualified science and engineering technicians and improve their technical skills and STEM preparation. Priorities include rural technician education, broader participation, students with disabilities, veterans, and emerging industry needs such as artificial intelligence. Projects should respond to employer needs, demonstrate institutional and workforce impact, and plan for sustainability beyond NSF funding.
