The Biden administration announced a significant investment of $504 million in grants for twelve technology hubs across the U.S., including locations in Ohio, Montana, Nevada, and Florida. This funding aims to support advancements in fields like quantum computing, biomanufacturing, lithium batteries, computer chips, and personalized medicine. The initiative seeks to spread technological innovation beyond major metropolitan areas such as San Francisco and New York City.

The funding is part of the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration efforts, with President Biden previously designating 31 tech hubs in October 2023. The administration is advocating for additional funding to ensure all designated hubs receive the support needed to thrive.

Funded tech hubs include:
- $41 million for Elevate Quantum Tech Hub (CO, NM)
- $41 million for Headwaters Hub (MT)
- $51 million for Heartland BioWorks (IN)
- $51 million for iFAB Tech Hub (IL)
- $21 million for Nevada Tech Hub
- $40 million for NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub (NY)
- $44 million for ReGen Valley Tech Hub (NH)
- $45 million for SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC, GA)
- $19 million for South Florida...

This webinar will provide a comprehensive understanding of crafting effective evaluation plans for NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) proposals. Attendees will gain insights into the essential elements of an evaluation plan and learn how to integrate evaluation throughout their proposals. The session will cover practical strategies for writing evaluation questions, identifying evaluation indicators, and developing evaluation data matrixes. Additionally, participants will receive valuable resources to help create a clear and compelling evaluation section.

The webinar features Lyssa Wilson Becho, the Director and Principal Investigator at EvaluATE. With a Ph.D. in evaluation and over eight years of experience, Lyssa leads training efforts, including webinars and workshops, and fosters a vibrant evaluation community. Her expertise will guide attendees through the intricacies of NSF ATE proposal evaluations, providing both non-evaluators and seasoned evaluators with practical advice and tools.

Designed to benefit anyone involved in NSF grant proposals, this webinar offers valuable insights for those new to the process as well as those looking to refine their skills. It...

The new NSF ATE Program Solicitation is now available and there are some changes including new budget amounts for projects and the removal of the ATE Resource/Support Centers track (although similar activities can be supported under the Project track).  Readers can find a synopsis of major changes under the Important Information And Revision Notes section at the beginning of the solicitation as well as helpful information about current Dear Colleague Letters associated with the ATE program.

The CASCADE (Commons-Accelerated Silicon Crossroads Apprenticeships for Demands in Engineering) Apprenticeship Program is a groundbreaking initiative developed by the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub (SCMC), Purdue University, and Synopsys. This collaborative effort aims to propel the future of microelectronics in the United States by cultivating a highly skilled workforce for this essential industry.

The CASCADE Apprenticeship Program blends academic and hands-on experiences. Students begin with a year at Purdue University, gaining a solid theoretical foundation in semiconductor design. The program continues with practical work experience alongside industry leaders like Synopsys, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the semiconductor industry.

The Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub fosters innovation and workforce development, supporting the CASCADE program to achieve excellence in domestic microelectronics. Purdue University, known for its strong engineering programs, provides the academic foundation for CASCADE students, even those who may not be pursuing a traditional 4-year degree. Synopsys, a leader in semiconductor design...

A recent Pew Research Center report reveals that economic outcomes for young adults without a four-year college degree have been improving over the past decade, with increased earnings and reduced poverty rates. Despite these gains, the income gap between those with and without a college degree remains unchanged as young college graduates have also seen improvements in their economic situations. Public opinion on the value of a college degree is mixed, with only 22% of U.S. adults believing that the cost of college is worth it if loans are necessary. Many Americans question the necessity of a college degree for securing a well-paying job, with 40% asserting that it is not very important.

The report highlights that the labor force participation and full-time employment rates for young men and women without a college degree have stabilized or increased after decades of decline. For young men, earnings have risen since 2014, though they remain below early 1970s levels, and poverty rates have significantly decreased. Similarly, young women without a degree have seen their earnings increase and poverty rates fall over the past decade. However, four-year college graduates continue to...

The National Science Foundation's Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) invites current ATE program recipients to submit requests for supplemental funding to support scholarships for students eligible under the NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM). This initiative aims to address the ongoing high attrition rates among STEM undergraduates in the U.S. by providing financial assistance to academically talented, low-income students pursuing degrees in STEM fields.

Supplemental funding requests should focus exclusively on student scholarships and must meet S-STEM eligibility criteria, including U.S. citizenship, enrollment in a STEM program, academic potential, low-income status, and demonstrated financial need.

Detailed instructions for preparing these requests are provided on the NSF website, including requirements for institutional context, potential scholars' demographics, retention and graduation rates, scholarship amount determination, and existing support structures. Funding will not exceed 20% of the original ATE award and must be submitted with prior NSF approval.

For further guidance and to initiate the submission process,...

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is partnering with Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation for the Metallica Scholars Initiative, an effort to promote career and technical education as a pathway to well-paying jobs. This initiative supports community college students by providing relevant job skill training and connecting them to opportunities that meet employer needs. The collaboration leverages Metallica's influence to elevate the importance and dignity of technical education. 

AACC is now accepting proposals from up to 18 member colleges for Cohort 6, starting on July 1, 2024. The Request for Proposals opened on May 15 and closes on June 7, with announcements the week of June 24.

Since its inception in 2019, the Metallica Scholars Initiative has expanded to 42 colleges across 33 states, supporting student accessibility through scholarships and essential resources. For updates, follow AACC and All Within My Hands on their respective platforms.

Educators looking to effectively and engagingly teach solar principles in their classrooms can join the STEM Educator Solar Institute in Madison, WI. This unique opportunity is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to bring solar energy concepts to life for their students.

At the Institute, attendees will gain hands-on experience with the tools of the trade by installing and commissioning a residential-sized solar photovoltaic (PV) array. They will learn and practice essential safety measures and electrical principles, ensuring thorough preparation to handle and teach these technologies. In addition, participants will engage in ready-to-use, hands-on classroom lab activities, which can be implemented immediately in their own teaching environments.

The STEM Educator Solar Institute will be held from July 9-11, 2024, at the Commercial Avenue Campus in Madison, WI. Sessions will take place both indoors at Madison College’s Commercial Avenue campus and outdoors in the solar photovoltaic training yard. This immersive experience includes two nights of hotel accommodations in downtown Madison, along with breakfast and lunch each day, allowing participants to...

On May 10, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) proudly commemorates its 74th anniversary, celebrating over seven decades of groundbreaking advancements in science and technology.

Since its establishment in 1950, NSF has been a beacon of support for visionary ideas and transformative innovations spanning the spectrum of scientific and engineering disciplines.

Next year, May 10, 2025, NSF will celebrate 75 years of innovation and discovery. In honor of this momentous occasion, a year-long series of events and activities will unfold across the nation, spotlighting the profound impact of NSF-funded research on society and the economy. From new insights into the natural world to fostering technological breakthroughs that shape lives, NSF's contributions have been integral to driving progress and enhancing understandings of the world.

Stay tuned for on the NSF website for updates and invitations to participate in the festivities for 75 years of scientific excellence.

A recent study conducted in Maryland demonstrates the significant impact of high-quality computer science courses in high schools on students' career trajectories and diversity within the field.

Led by Jing Liu, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, the study found that students who took such courses were 10 percentage points more likely to major in computer science in college and 5 percentage points more likely to complete a CS degree program. Particularly noteworthy was the positive effect on underrepresented groups, including females, Black students, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, indicating progress in addressing disparities in the tech industry. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in broadening participation and ensuring teacher qualifications.

While 57% of U.S. high schools offer introductory computer science courses, efforts like Maryland's statewide requirement for high schools to offer high-quality computer science courses highlight the need for broader participation and improved teacher training. Additionally, addressing the shortage of qualified teachers remains a significant hurdle, requiring strategies to motivate and...