The National Science Foundation (NSF) and New America, a think tank focused on technology and social change, will offer networking opportunities, guidance on best practices, policy engagement and funding to leaders at schools associated with 10 NSF Regional Innovation Engines established in January. At the time, 10 teams across 18 states each received $15 million to put toward education on technologies like semiconductors, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, with the ultimate goal of stimulating economic growth and creating jobs, according to the awards website. These teams include universities, nonprofits, businesses and other organizations to promote collaboration across the region.
In addition to the initial $15 million, throughout the next decade those teams can apply for further assistance through funding — up to $160 million each — and expertise, which is where the new accelerator program comes in.
“None of the Regional Innovation Engines will be successful if we don't have the capacity of the skilled technical workforce unleashed at full force and full scale, everywhere,” NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said in a public forum hosted by New America earlier this year.
While the original Innovation Engines funding is distributed across the partnering organizations, the new accelerator program managed by New America focuses on community and technical colleges. For example, in North Dakota, research on advanced agriculture is led by investigators at North Dakota State University, but includes a coalition of academics from tribal colleges and two-year institutions.
The program will offer awards and recognition for impactful contributions from these community and technical institutions, including through shoutouts in New America publications. Leaders at participating schools can join virtual meetings or get email updates on resources, challenges and funding opportunities in critical technology areas, and can connect with experts “who specialize in the intersection of community colleges, workforce development, policy, and regional innovation ecosystems,” New America’s website says. New America will also bring college leaders to its Washington, D.C. headquarters to connect with government leaders.
The program will also host monthly workshops and networking events to bring colleges together with government agencies and philanthropies, and New America will visit each site to learn about their projects and provide support.
“This initiative by New America, made possible by Ascendium Education Group, will help stand up the training and workforce readiness programs that will ensure working families can access good-paying jobs in critical technologies that are vital to American economic competitiveness,” Panchanathan said in a public statement.
