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...

AACC and ATE Central are pleased to announce the release of the 2023 ATE PI Conference mobile app! The app and companion website are designed to help you make the most of your conference experience. Use your phone, tablet, or Internet browser to create a personal schedule, stay up-to-date with the program and speaker lineup, search the attendee directory, and more. We look forward to connecting with you at this year's conference!

How to Download

Search your app store for the EventMobi mobile app or click the following link to download the app to your iPhone or iPad or Android device. Next, open the EventMobi app and enter code atepi2023 to launch the 2023 ATE PI Conference app. Log in with the email you used to register for the conference. Attendees who have downloaded the ATE PI Conference app in years past may have an existing user account. New users will be asked to create a password. For assistance with the app, email piapp@atecentral.net. 

Consider joining the Annual Advancing Indigenous People in STEM (AiSES) National Conference, a remarkable three-day event dedicated to empowering Indigenous individuals from North America and the Pacific Islands in their pursuit of excellence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Since its inception in 1978, this conference has been a beacon of support for Indigenous high school juniors and seniors, college and graduate students, educators, and professionals in the STEM field.

At the AiSES National Conference, participants have the opportunity to engage with over 2,500 Indigenous individuals while connecting with leading companies, government agencies, private foundations, nonprofits, and tribal partners. This event offers a diverse range of activities, from professional development sessions and networking opportunities to research presentations, workshops, awards ceremonies, and traditional Indigenous cultural events.

Additionally, the conference hosts the largest college and career fair in Indian Country, where job seekers can participate in on-site interviews, receive interview coaching and resume development guidance, and access valuable career planning...

Join NSF at the 2024 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference and Exposition in Portland, Oregon, from June 23rd to 26th, 2024, for the NSF Grantees Poster Session. This session is designed for Principal Investigators with active projects in engineering education and related fields. 

Abstract submissions are now open on the ASEE website, with a submission deadline of November 1st, 2023. For more details on abstract submission, deadlines, the Author's Kit, and poster formatting guidelines, visit the Author's Kit page.

Remember to designate the NSF Grantees Poster Session as the "Primary Division" during the abstract submission process (located near the bottom of the dropdown list).

Please note that participation in the poster session is contingent upon submitting a paper to the conference proceedings. While full-length papers are encouraged, you can also submit a shorter paper (minimum of 2 pages) summarizing your work for this specific poster session. All abstracts and papers will undergo a review process, and acceptance is not guaranteed.

Mark your calendars for these important deadlines:

Abstract Submission:
  - Submission Window Opens: October...

After years of dedicated service, the National Convergence Technology Center (CTC) is bidding farewell as its National Science Foundation (NSF) grant concludes this weekend. Initially established as regional grants in the 2000s, the CTC evolved into a national Advanced Technological Education grant recipient in 2012, with a renewal in 2017. Based at Collin College in North Texas, the CTC has been instrumental in aiding IT faculty, administrators, and students nationwide by providing industry insights, faculty training, and educational resources. They've also released a comprehensive "CTC Impacts" book PDF to highlight their numerous achievements and successes.

As the CTC's journey concludes, the baton will be passed to the National Information Technology Innovation Center (NITIC), located at Columbus State Community College in Ohio. NITIC will carry forward many of the CTC's initiatives while introducing new programs and projects to support a broader array of IT topics and disciplines. Collaborating with NITIC, Collin College, Lone Star College, and Sinclair Community College, partners of the National CTC grant, will continue their involvement as sub-awardees. Additionally, the...

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has unveiled a $45.6 million investment across 24 research and education initiatives, aided by the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022," aimed at advancing semiconductor technologies, manufacturing, and workforce development. These projects are part of the NSF Future of Semiconductors (FuSe) program, conducted in collaboration with companies such as Ericsson, IBM, Intel, and Samsung. The program's primary objectives are to foster the growth of a skilled semiconductor workforce and to drive innovations in semiconductor technologies and systems, addressing the nation's need for a secure and reliable supply of semiconductor technologies.

The FuSe program supports three key research areas: domain-specific computing, advanced function and high performance by heterogeneous integration, and new materials for energy-efficient and sustainable semiconductor systems. In addition to NSF funding, this initiative is supported by annual contributions from industry leaders, including Ericsson, IBM, Intel, and Samsung. This public-private partnership aims to guide research priorities, accelerate technology development, and prepare the future workforce while...

The Biden-Harris Administration has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering America's cyber workforce and education initiatives. The initiative, known as the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, aims to harness and develop the nation's cyber talent to address growing cybersecurity challenges.

This strategy recognizes the increasing importance of cybersecurity in an interconnected world and seeks to address the critical shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. It emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector to promote cybersecurity education and training.

The National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy by the Biden-Harris Administration has four key objectives:

1. Foundational Cyber Skills for All: Provide basic cyber skills to all Americans, promoting their use and global progress in this area.

2. Transforming Cyber Education: Enhance cyber education from K-12 to higher education, making it more affordable and competency-based while investing in educators.

3. Expanding the National Cyber Workforce: Grow the cyber workforce through collaboration, skills-based...

STEM students may be interested in attending National Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE) Center's upcoming virtual career fair. 

Students can attend the fair on September 22, 2023,  and follow along as the National Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE) along with the Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in cybersecurity community presents the highly anticipated National Cybersecurity Virtual Career Fair (VCF). This event is an opportunity for both students and alumni hailing from over 300 distinguished institutions, including Centers of Academic Excellence in Research (CAE-R), Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), and Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), as well as institutions awaiting approval under the Candidate's Program. 

What sets the National Cybersecurity VCF apart is its unwavering commitment to fostering connections between aspiring cybersecurity professionals and industry-leading employers. Employers can also join the VCF interest list and showcase their organization to a diverse array of top-tier talent. With the continuous expansion of the CAE in Cybersecurity program, each year brings a surge in student participation, with the previous year boasting a remarkable turnout of...

The state of Massachusetts is set to provide free community college for residents over the age of 25. The program, called MassReconnect, supports residents 25 and older with free associate degrees and high-quality certificates.

“Education is our calling card: It's a huge competitive advantage for Massachusetts,” said Massachuesetts Governor Maura Healey, “It elevates our workforce, it attracts employers to our state, and it puts us at the forefront of what is now very much a global economy.”

MassReconnect will cover all costs associated with community college certificates and degrees, including all costs related to tuition, fees, books and supplies. This program is part of a larger strategy to boost enrollment, graduations, and education across the state.

Read the offical policy document outlining MassReconnect here.