The ATE program supports technician education at two-year institutions by funding curriculum development, faculty professional development, career pathway initiatives, and applied research. It encourages partnerships among academic institutions, industry, and economic development agencies, with a focus on credit-bearing programs and inclusion of underrepresented communities. Projects must be faculty-led and may involve Minority Serving Institutions and collaborations with entities like NIST MEPs and Manufacturing USA Institutes.
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based for-profit organizations, non-profit non-academic organizations, state and local governments, two- and four-year accredited U.S. institutions of higher education, and federally recognized tribal nations. Faculty leadership from two-year institutions is required
