Education and Training Approach for the Future Nanotechnology Workforce

The Pennsylvania Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology (NMT) Partnership was formed in 1998 to create and nurture a skilled nanofabrication workforce in the State of Pennsylvania. The approach laid out emphasizes developing a strong nanotechnology workforce education effort that both opens the door to more high-tech jobs for Pennsylvanians and also strengthens PA industry. The partners in this endeavor are 29 Pennsylvania colleges and universities, Penn State University, industry, the State of Pennsylvania, and the National Science Foundation. The activities the partnership has developed in its approach include three-day Nanotech Camps for secondary school students, three-day Nanotechnology Workshops for secondary school teachers, Nanotechnology Utilization Workshops tailored for industry, Nanotechnology Associate (2-year) Degree programs, Baccalaureate Degree programs with concentrations in Nanotechnology, and Nanotechnology Experiment Kits to bring nanotechnology into existing chemistry, physics, and biology courses.