Advanced Technological Education (ATE) ProgramThe ATE program was established by Public Law 102-476 in October 1992 and until recently was the only Congressionally mandated program at the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Scientific and Advanced Technology Act of 1992 led to the creation of the ATE program. The act was "to establish a national advanced technician program, utilizing the resources of the Nation's two-year associate-degree-granting colleges, to expand the pool of skilled technicians in strategic advanced technology fields, to increase the productivity of the nation's industries, and to improve the competiveness of the United States in international trade, and for other purposes." The ATE program is jointly administered at NSF by the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) and the Division of Elementary, Secondary and Informal Education (ESIE). NSF funds projects and centers across the nation to carry out the ATE program's mission. Currently, the ATE program supports 10 Centers of Excellence and approximately 150 active projects. Centers focus on systemic approaches to technician education, usually within a specific discipline, and are expected to have broad impact. Projects focus on specific aspects of technician education, such as standards development, curriculum development, and faculty development. All centers and most projects create extensive partnerships with businesses and industry, other two-year colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and secondary schools. For more information about the ATE program, follow the links above or contact |