2454155
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
Center: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) - 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.
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.
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF24584
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Pasadena,
California
91106-2003
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
Pasadena Area Community College District was awarded
MNT-EC: Building a Skilled Micro Nano Technology Workforce
Project Grant 2454155
worth $7,495,905
from the Division of Undergraduate Education in July 2025 with work to be completed primarily in Pasadena California United States.
The grant
has a duration of 5 years and
was awarded through assistance program 47.076 Education and Human Resources.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity Advanced Technological Education.
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 6/3/25
Period of Performance
7/1/25
Start Date
6/30/30
End Date
Funding Split
$7.5M
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$7.5M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2454155
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Public/State Controlled Institution Of Higher Education
Awarding Office
491104 DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Funding Office
491104 DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Awardee UEI
WB19K3R7L3L5
Awardee CAGE
1U9L2
Performance District
CA-28
Senators
Dianne Feinstein
Alejandro Padilla
Alejandro Padilla
Modified: 6/3/25