National Science Foundation (NSF) through an Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant address the growing demand for skilled technicians in robotics and automation
From Alfred State College,
Alfred State has been awarded $474,019 in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through an Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant. The grant will support a project led by Assistant Professors Jessica Hutchison and Dr. Mohamed Eleshaky entitled “Developing a Robotics and Automation Technician Pathway for the Agricultural and Industrial Sectors.”
The project aims to address the growing demand for skilled technicians in robotics and automation, critical areas to maintain food security and support the manufacturing workforce. To attract and retain students, the program will create educational pathways that prepare graduates for well-paying jobs in rural areas.
By aligning education with industry needs, the project will equip businesses to adapt to an increasingly automated future. With innovative strategies, including industry partnerships and immersive summer institutes, the program will engage students, highlight career opportunities and provide industry-recognized credentials, and demonstrate the significance of bridging educational gaps in advanced technologies.
“This grant provides an exciting opportunity to engage high school students in robotics through residential summer programs,” commented Hutchison. “By working with programmable robotic dogs and earning valuable industry credentials, students will gain skills that could shape their future and perhaps lead them to careers they hadn’t thought possible.”
Goals of this project include, capturing student interest through immersive summer institutes, increasing representation using evidence-based recruitment and retention strategies, and reducing math anxiety through a pre-enrollment math jumpstart course.
“I am proud to see Alfred State College remain a leader in cutting-edge research and innovation, particularly in the development and use of robotic technology” said Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23). “This grant is an investment that will prepare students in our rural communities for high-demand, good-paying jobs while giving local businesses the workforce they need to stay competitive in a world with greater automation.”
Alfred State College President Steven Mauro added,“Alfred State is excited about the momentum this funding will bring to assist our students as they enter the workforce. We are appreciative of all the help and support we’ve seen from Congressman Langworthy to make this possible.”
This crucial funding provided by NSF will ensure Alfred State is better equipped to pursue this project, connecting education with industry needs, preparing students and graduates for in-demand careers, and strengthening the regional workforce.
The National Science Foundation grant adds to Alfred’s State’s goal that graduates are career-ready from day one of the job. Funding like this expands the College’s capacity to meet growing workforce demands and proved hands-on, industry aligned education that helps both students and employers.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely added, “Alfred State is known for our emphasis on applied learning in technical majors. The NSF-ATE grant will enable us to continue to develop and offer high quality academic programs that combine faculty expertise in both our School of Arts & Sciences and our School of Architecture, Management, and Engineering Technology while also supporting recruitment and student success in these majors. This grant also highlights the quality of faculty that we have and the ways in which their research can benefit our programs and students in the SUNY Technology Sector.”
Igniting career readiness is one of the four priorities of the recently announced Unleashing Potential Comprehensive Campaign, which has a goal of raising $40 million for current and future Pioneers.
ABOUT the ATE Program:
The ATE program focuses on the education of technicians who work in high-tech fields that drive the nation’s economy. Because two-year community and technical colleges are the leading source of technician education in the United State, faculty from these higher education institutions have had leadership roles in most ATE projects since the program began in 1993.
An Alfred State degree gets results!
At Alfred State College, hands-on experience leads to career success. An emphasis on applied learning enables students to reach goals and develop the skills needed to thrive at in-demand jobs. With over 80 majors, 100 clubs and civic groups, and 18 NCAA Division III sports, Alfred State prepares students to become leaders, achievers, and Pioneers who are ready to Hit the Ground Running …
