Advanced Technological Education
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions and organizations that develop technician education programs in high-technology fields. Two-year colleges, four-year universities, for-profit companies, nonprofits, state/local governments, and tribal nations may apply. Projects must involve partnerships between academic institutions, industry, and economic development agencies. Programs must award associate degrees and be credit-bearing, though materials can support incumbent worker education too.
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Program description
With a focus on two-year Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program supports the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy. The program involves partnerships between academic institutions (grades 7-12, IHEs), industry, and economic development agencies to promote improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians. It is strongly recommended that projects be faculty-led and required that courses and programs are credit-bearing, although materials developed may also be used for incumbent worker education. Materials may also be adapted and implemented as credit-bearing courses. The ATE program supports curriculum development; professional development of college faculty and secondary school teachers; career pathway development for both students and incumbent workers; and other activities including applied research projects that advance the knowledge base related to technician education.
The ATE program encourages partnerships with other entities that may impact technician education. For example, with
- the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) (http://www.nist.gov/mep/index.cfm) as applicable to support technician education programs and the industries they serve; and
- Manufacturing USA Institutes(https://manufacturing.gov/) addressing workforce development issues.
The ATE program encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutionsas well as other institutions that support the recruitment, retention, and completion (certificate, degree, program)of the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer, which includes underrepresented and underserved communities, in STEM technician education programs that award associate degrees.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Curriculum vitae (PI and key personnel)
- Letters of commitment from partners
- Institutional commitment letter
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.076 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$116,005,485
-
$111,205,673
-
$82,631,883
-
$50,428,430
-
$45,382,137
-
$42,090,891
-
$41,100,753
-
$39,174,893
-
$33,116,189
-
$30,232,784
Top States by Funding
- CA 18 awards $419.3M
- MA 4 awards $209.8M
- TX 7 awards $123.0M
- NY 5 awards $115.7M
- IL 5 awards $96.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.076). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,087,560,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,169,550,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $286,650,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the ATE program?
Two- and four-year colleges, universities, for-profit companies, nonprofits, state/local governments, and federally recognized tribes may submit proposals. Proposals must be submitted by institutions or organizations, not individuals.
What types of projects are funded?
The program funds curriculum development, faculty professional development, career pathway programs, and applied research in technician education. All courses and programs must be credit-bearing.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. Cost-sharing is not required for this program.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards typically range from $475,000 to $7,500,000, depending on project scope and competitiveness.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is October 1, 2026. This is a fixed deadline with one submission period per year.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Partner with both secondary schools (grades 7-12) and industry early in project design. This demonstrates alignment with ATE priorities.
- Propose faculty-led initiatives that emphasize sustainable curriculum or professional development. NSF favors institutionalized approaches over temporary projects.
- Include plans to serve underrepresented populations and diverse talent pipelines. This increases competitiveness.
- Connect projects to high-technology fields and workforce demand. Show how your program supports the nation's economic needs.
- Consider partnerships with NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnerships or Manufacturing USA Institutes for added credibility and impact.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Projects without clear industry partnerships or workforce relevance often fail. Vague curriculum plans or activities not directly tied to technician education are red flags. Proposals from individuals or institutions that don't fit the eligible applicant types face automatic rejection.
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