Skillbuilding for technicians and engineers through experiential learning communities

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded Mississippi State University $1,722,506 on October 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to develop and evaluate experiential learning communities that strengthen the advanced manufacturing workforce.

The project engages technicians and engineers from two-year and four-year institutions in hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment including collaborative robotics, autonomous mobile robots, laser marking systems, and additive manufacturing. Mississippi State will develop and rigorously assess integrated learning communities that combine cross-cohort collaboration, professional skill development, and technical expertise, with investigation of peer-learning mechanisms and cross-cohort mentoring as scalable integration strategies. The work partners with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and leverages the broader Advanced Manufacturing Upskilling Program (AIM UP) network. Evaluation employs mixed-methods assessment including pre/post technical knowledge measures, practical skills evaluation, professional development tracking, and longitudinal career outcome monitoring, with findings disseminated through peer-reviewed publication.

Performance occurs at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, with a period of performance from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031. This is classified as a Project Grant, an assistance type funding specific research or educational projects rather than ongoing program operations or formula distribution.

Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by strengthening the advanced manufacturing workforce through integrated experiential learning that prepares technicians and engineers with both technical expertise and collaborative professional skills essential for modern industry. This level III engaged student learning project intends to address the growing impacts of advanced manufacturing skills on U.S. Competitiveness and economic growth while leveraging partnerships with mississippi gulf coast community college and the broader advancements in manufacturing upskilling program (aim up) network. The project includes activities to foster and investigate essential student assets including technical proficiency in cutting-edge technologies, cross-cohort collaboration skills, professional competencies, student stem identity, and career confidence, particularly for learners from two-year and four-year institutions. The project engages participants in hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment while generating evidence-based practices that enhance workforce readiness outcomes through skill acquisition in key advanced manufacturing technologies such as collaborative robotics, autonomous mobile robots, laser marking systems, and additive manufacturing. Project goals include developing and rigorously evaluating experiential learning conditions under which integrated learning communities improve outcomes compared to single-population training. By employing mixed-methods assessment of technical knowledge, practical skills, professional development, and career outcomes, the project advances understanding of peer-learning mechanisms, cross-cohort mentoring, and scalable integration strategies in technical education. Comprehensive evaluation is incorporated through pre/post measures, focus groups, and longitudinal tracking, with dissemination of project findings through peer-reviewed publications, professional conferences, and sharing with the aim up network for implementation and scaling. The NSF iuse: EDU program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of stem education for all students. Through the engaged student learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices and tools. 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 not planned for this award.