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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Manufacturing Initiatives and Activities with the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing
The National Science Foundation funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) is committed to advancing the manufacturing workforce by partnering with community colleges and their educators across the country, ensuring their curricula stay current with industry developments. This includes partnerships with organizations focused on artificial intelligence, attending conferences and events focused on artificial intelligence, and providing resources on artific
2 days ago8 min read


Central Community College Mechatronics Professional Development 2026
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) are proud supporters of the Central Community College (CCC) Summer Mechatronics Professional Development 2026 sessions, which are designed to improve educators' skills and knowledge in manufacturing and mechatronics. This initiative is significant to the NCNGM's mission as it aligns with the growing demand for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing and automation technol
Jul 12 min read


NCNGM Upcoming Participation in HITEC Conference, Austin, TX, 2026.
The photograph is titled "Austin, Texas Cityscape Evening Skyline" and is credited to Panoramic Images. The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) is proud to be an Executive-Level Producer of the HI-TEC (High Impact Technology Exchange) Conference, taking place in Austin, TX, this year. Our Director and Principal Investigator, Karen Wosczyna-Birch, will be present at various activities, including preconference works
Jun 237 min read


Upcoming Community of Practice Part 2
The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM), funded by the National Science Foundation, is excited to reveal the panelists for our upcoming joint community of practice: Erika Guerra, Mehrdäd Fäézi, and Bryan Sellars. This Community of Practice is working in partnership with the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC), and the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC), both also funded by the National Science Foundat
Jun 163 min read


NCNGM and Advanced Technological Education
Technician education is evolving rapidly to meet the demands of a changing world, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program supports skill development and industry readiness. The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM), an NSF ATE Center of Excellence focused on advanced manufacturing, plays a significant role in bridging the education and manufacturing industries. This article explores how this major cen
Jun 105 min read


Summer Teacher's Workshop 2026 Reminders
Stock image photo of an individual at the computer while taking notes. The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, funded by the National Science Foundation, is pleased to announce that we have successfully filled all available spots for our highly anticipated annual Summer Teacher's Workshop. This virtual program aims to enhance educators' skills and knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of manufacturing. We reached this milestone well ahead of the registration
Jun 42 min read


Central Community College BUMP Grant Launches Training with CAMACO
Central Community College (CCC) was invited to the Camaco facilities to officially launch the PLC/Mechatronics training classes under the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Project BUMP (DUE ATE # 2500493) and to further strengthen partnerships that enhance Nebraska’s advanced manufacturing workforce pipeline. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the community college's leadership to meet Braulio Castillo, who will assist with Central Community College's future
May 262 min read


AI in Manufacturing Panel Debrief
The National Science Foundation is the driving force behind the funding of three significant grants that together hosted a Community of Practice on May 14, 2026. This event focused on a timely and critical topic: the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing industry. The collaboration brought together three organizations: National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (DUE ATE # 2335016), the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (DUE
May 194 min read


MET² Final Presentations at Central Connecticut State University
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has been instrumental in advancing scientific research and education in the United States. The NSF supports the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, which aims to foster cutting-edge research and collaboration among academic institutions, industry partners, and government entities. This center is particularly focused on advanced manufacturing career technical education. This year, the center is proud to highlight the accompl
May 123 min read


AI in Education Conference May 2026
Matt Mervis, Director of Skills 21 AI Strategy and Innovation at EdAdvance, kicks off the event. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has been a pivotal force in advancing scientific research and education across various fields, and funds the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing. NCNGM is dedicated to enhancing the manufacturing workforce through community colleges nationwide and ensuring that their educational programs are aligned with the latest industry needs
May 52 min read


Upcoming NCNGM Joint Community of Practice
The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM), funded by the National Science Foundation, is excited to reveal the panelists for our upcoming joint community of practice: Paul Lavoie, Sachin J Koshy, and Ryan Hall. This Community of Practice is working in partnership with the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC), and the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC), both also funded by the National Science Foundation.
Apr 283 min read


CT College of Technology and MET2 Cohort Presentations
The National Science Foundation funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing sponsored the latest Connecticut College of Technology meeting, held at the University of Hartford on Friday, April 17th, 2026. This meeting offered the 2026 Mechanical Engineering Technologies & Manufacturing Engineering Technologies (MET2) cohort an opportunity to showcase their project progress. The University of Hartford kindly arranged a tour of the campus's manufacturing and enginee
Apr 215 min read


Artemis II Mission and Manufacturing
Photo Credit: NASA, John Kraus, images.nasa.gov The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, funded and supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), emphasizes the significant impact of the manufacturing supply chain on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Artemis II mission, launched on April 1st, 2026. The Artemis II mission is not just a monumental leap in space exploration; it also represents one of the most intricate and complex suppl
Apr 143 min read


Exploring Job Positions in Advanced Manufacturing
Ever wondered about the various job roles available in advanced manufacturing? This article offers insights into sought-after job titles and their variations in the field. Advanced manufacturing is a vibrant sector that combines emerging technology with traditional manufacturing methods to produce innovative products and enhance efficiency. As the industry progresses, certain key job titles are consistently in high demand. These roles typically require specialized training fr
Apr 76 min read


Central Community College Plastics Programs and Activities
Craig Potthast, a Plastics Trainer and Coordinator at Central Community College, with a student in the plastics lab. The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is proud to highlight our current partner, Central Community College (CCC) in Nebraska, and its plastics injection molding program. Program Director Karl Anderson and his team have been participating in numerous outreach opportunities to showcase their upcoming programming as follows: The "Fundamentals of S
Mar 312 min read


Innovations Conference 2026
Andrew Dunn and Douglas Pauley of Central Community College in Nebraska. The League for Innovation in the Community College hosted the 29th annual Innovations Conference, held from March 15 to March 18, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. This annual event has established itself as the premier gathering for educators, administrators, and innovators who are deeply committed to advancing the mission of community colleges worldwide. The Innovations Conference serves as a vital inter
Mar 242 min read


Summer Teacher's Workshop Applications Now Open
Participants will be eligible to receive up to $1,000 in stipends** Register Today This exciting four-day workshop offers you the opportunity to connect with peers from across the United States in an online setting. This program is highly rated by the teachers and faculty who have participated in previous in-person and virtual versions . The workshop will help you learn how to instruct your students in developing essential employability and social skills, and provide techno
Mar 192 min read


Mentor Up Applications Open
The National Science Foundation funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is looking forward to organizing the next 2026 Mentor Up Cohort! We're excited to see how this experience will grow and inspire everyone involved. Find out more and apply at: https://atementorup.org About the Workshop Workshop Focus: Participants will learn about the NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program and how to effectively apply for grant funding. Faculty must propose a
Mar 102 min read


NCNGM Attends CCID Annual Conference
The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing had a great time celebrating Community Colleges for International Development ’s (CCID) 50th Annual Conference this weekend! During the Poster Session, we shared insights from our program last summer in France for Connecticut State Community College 's students and faculty, which was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) . National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing Paris, France trip. Learn more by r
Mar 41 min read


NCNGM Presents at NAAIC Summit 2026
Cynthia Pereda, Eduardo Salcedo, Olga Pierrakos, Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Eric Flynn. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has been a cornerstone of scientific research and education across the United States. The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) is an initiative that fosters innovation and excellence in manufacturing technologies. This center plays a crucial role in preparing the workforce for the rapidly evolving landscape of manufacturing, particularl
Feb 242 min read
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