Advanced Technological Education | Apply Online

NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program (NSF 11-692) - FAQs

1) What is the NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program?

The NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program is a discretionary grant opportunity intended to strengthen education and training for highly skilled technicians in fields that support the US high-tech economy. The program focuses on improving technician education so graduates are prepared for in-demand technical roles.

2) What is the main emphasis of the ATE program?

ATE places a clear emphasis on two-year colleges (community and technical colleges), recognizing their central role in preparing technicians for science, engineering, and advanced technology occupations.

3) What kinds of partnerships are expected in ATE proposals?

Proposals are expected to reflect meaningful partnerships between educational institutions and employers. These partnerships should connect education and training to real workforce needs and help ensure students learn current industry practices, tools, and competencies.

4) What types of activities does ATE support?

The scope of supported activities is broad but centers on improving technician education at the undergraduate level (especially at two-year colleges) and at the secondary school level. Supported areas include curriculum development/modernization, professional development for educators, career pathway development, articulation between two-year and four-year programs, and research on technician education.

5) Does ATE support curriculum development and educational materials?

Yes. ATE supports the development and modernization of curricula and educational materials, including hands-on and lab-based learning approaches designed to mirror workplace environments.

6) Does ATE fund professional development for educators?

Yes. ATE funds professional development for college faculty and secondary school teachers to strengthen teaching capacity in fast-changing technical fields and improve instructors' ability to deliver relevant, up-to-date technical content.

7) Are secondary schools included, or is it only for colleges?

Secondary school level activities are included. While the program emphasizes two-year colleges, ATE also supports efforts tied to technician education at the secondary school level, particularly where they strengthen pathways into technician programs.

8) What does ATE mean by "career pathways"?

ATE encourages the creation and improvement of career pathways that help students progress through technician education. This includes structured routes from secondary schools into two-year programs and from two-year colleges into four-year institutions, along with efforts that improve advising, reduce barriers to transfer, and clarify sequences of credentials and courses.

9) Does ATE support transfer and articulation between two-year and four-year institutions?

Yes. ATE lists stronger articulation between two-year and four-year programs as a priority area. In practical terms, this includes improving alignment and credit transfer between institutions so students can progress without losing time or credits.

10) Does ATE support work related to preparing future teachers?

Yes. The opportunity notes support for K-12 prospective teachers who focus on technological education, which points to strengthening preparation so future educators can effectively teach technology-related subjects and promote technological literacy.

11) Can proposals focus on research, not just program implementation?

Yes. Beyond program development and educational implementation, ATE invites proposals focused on research related to technician education. The research component is intended to expand the evidence base on what works in educating technicians, how students move through technical pathways, which instructional strategies are effective, and how programs can adapt to evolving industry demands.

12) What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA listing for this solicitation?

This solicitation is identified as NSF publication and funding opportunity number 11-692 under CFDA 47.076 (Education and Human Resources).

13) What is the program category for this grant?

It is categorized under science and technology and other research and development.

14) How much total funding is estimated for this opportunity, and how many awards are expected?

The estimated total funding listed is $64,000,000, with an expected 90 awards.

15) What is the minimum and maximum award size?

Awards can range from a floor of $70,000 up to a ceiling of $5,000,000, indicating the program can support both smaller targeted projects and larger, more comprehensive initiatives.

16) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required, meaning applicants should plan for some level of non-NSF contribution consistent with the solicitation requirements.

17) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open broadly). Applicants are still expected to follow any specific eligibility clarifications included in the full solicitation text.

18) What deadlines are listed for this opportunity?

The key deadlines listed are October 20, 2011; October 18, 2012; and October 17, 2013. The current closing date shown in this record is October 17, 2013.

19) Where can applicants find additional information about the opportunity?

The additional information link points to the NSF publication associated with the opportunity (NSF 11-692).

20) Who should applicants contact for access or technical issues related to the announcement?

For access or technical issues related to the announcement, the contact provided is NSF Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.