Nanotechnology is an emerging technology that enables many of the US industries that keep the US globally competitive. This project is supporting the development of an associate in applied science degree and certificate course offerings in nanotechnology at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and UDC-Community College (UDC-CC). UDC is one of 35 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the US. The project is impacting underrepresented minorities at UDC-CC of whom 60% are females, a population which needs to be more strongly directed to opportunities in STEM. This nanotechnology education workforce (NEW) development project is also leveraging the expertise and resources of the ATE National Center Nanotechnology Application and Career Knowledge (NACK).
Additionally, courses in nanotechnology are being offered as interdisciplinary courses to students in all disciplines. Faculty and students are learning about the fabrication of nanomaterials and conducting research in nanomaterials. Seminars and distance learning offerings in nanotechnology are being supported. The project is fostering ongoing collaborative educational workforce development between UDC, UDC-CC and area university professors and researchers at government agencies.
The project evaluation is designed to assess the degree of program development and implementation, student learning and skills competency, and program effectiveness.
