Center: the micro nano technology education center (MNT-EC)

Pasadena City College received a $7.5M project grant from the National Science Foundation's STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) awarded July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030, to establish the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC). The center will develop a nationalized approach to micro- and nano-technology education in partnership with industry leaders to address the growing demand for skilled technicians in microelectronics manufacturing, advanced packaging, and nanobiotechnology. Key deliverables include comprehensive support for students pursuing MNT career pathways from enrollment through degree completion and employment; professional development and mentoring programs for two-year college faculty to enhance existing programs and develop new curriculum; and coordinated development and sharing of educational materials across academic institutions that address industry workforce needs.

The MNT-EC will operate as a hub to convene and coordinate between current academic programs while partnering directly with MNT industry stakeholders to develop competent technician workforce training. The project addresses both immediate labor demands as new advanced manufacturing facilities are constructed and long-term domestic industry growth by preparing talent to build, equip, and operate MNT facilities, design advanced products, and support research and development activities. The center's work will support the broader Advanced Technological Education Program focus on educating technicians for advanced technology sectors essential to U.S. economic competitiveness.

Abstract

Micro- and nano-technology (MNT) industries are growing and evolving at an ever-increasing pace, especially in the microelectronics sector. A major component of the MNT skilled technical workforce (STW) is the semiconductor microelectronics industry; however the disciplinary areas of materials science, physics, chemistry, and other majors also contribute to MNT industry jobs. A highly skilled workforce will be essential to meet the challenges of revitalizing the U.S. MNT industry and building resiliency into the MNT workforce supply chain. That workforce must meet short- term labor demands as new semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, and nanobiotechnology facilities are built, as well as sustain the long-term growth of the domestic industry. New talent will be required to build, equip, and run MNT manufacturing and packaging facilities, design advanced products, and advance research and development. The micro- and nano-technology education center (MNT-EC) will leverage lessons learned to develop a streamlined nationalized approach to MNT education. Working together with the MNT community and industry leaders, MNT-EC will support the development of programs in partnership with industry to meet the current and future needs of the MNT STW. The center will: 1) work to support all students entering the MNT career pathway in earning degrees and employment within MNT industries; 2) provide 2-year faculty with professional development opportunities and mentoring to both enhance current programs and support the development of new programs; and 3) convene and coordinate between current academic programs in developing and sharing educational materials that address industry needs. The MNT-EC will partner with industry to educate and train a competent MNT technician workforce. This project is funded by the advanced technological education program that focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced-technology fields that drive the nation's economy. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.