Mentor-Connect

09/15/2026

Avoid the "trials and tribulations" of writing an ATE grant proposal alone.

Brad Chinn discovered Mentor-Connect while working on Green River College's first ATE grant in 2017 — a $595,536 NSF-funded additive manufacturing project, completed successfully in 2022. But looking back, he wishes he'd had a mentor at the time, the way two Green River faculty teams did in 2023 and 2025 when they prepared their own (also successful) ATE proposals.

"Having that plan, that guidance... would have been hugely beneficial," Chinn said. "It would have made understanding our proposal a lot easier than trying to dive into it somewhat blind."

Learn how mentoring works at our Sept 23 webinar https://bit.ly/4yubzTE (3 p.m. ET), then apply for 2027 cohort mentoring by November 6. And here's the full application page for Nov 6 deadline: https://bit.ly/4gK2kbZ

Tap into expert guidance and insider ATE Program knowledge—without spending a dime! Join our information-filled webinar to explore the latest solicitation and learn how free mentoring through Mentor-Connect can help you develop a competitive, successful proposal.

09/10/2026

Want a mentor who can help you land an NSF ATE grant? (See Sept 23 webinar link below)

Donna Barron, PI of a biotechnology workforce project at Hudson Valley Community College, credits her Mentor-Connect mentor Billie Copley with teaching her how to write a winning ATE proposal. One that brought in $468,726 from NSF in 2025. The funding now supports biotech intro sessions, career lunch-and-learns, student camps, and family enrichment programs.

Learn how mentoring works at our Sept 23 webinar: https://bit.ly/4yubzTE

Then apply for 2027 cohort mentoring by Friday, November 6.

cc: Emery DeWitt, Pamela Silvers, Micro Nanotechnology Education Center

09/03/2026

If you’re considering applying for the next cohort (deadline in early November), don’t miss this free and insight-packed webinar. https://bit.ly/3SMSVY3 on Sept 23. 12pm pacific.

08/21/2026

Did you know that Mentor-Connect just rebuilt/launched a very new and fresh website (all the same amazing content) look. https://bit.ly/4xjd33c Join us in celebrating that it has been smooth and works/looks terrific! Plus you can jump to or share (hint, hint) the Cohort 15 application that opened up recently. Link above takes you right there. Check the comments for info on the upcoming Sept 23 webinar to help you prepare.

08/19/2026

Quick shout-out and thanks to Dr. Olga Pierrakos, NSF Program Director ATE Program, addressing the Mentor-Connect group at HI-TEC. Such a great week and we're so glad she could join us! 😊 👍

08/06/2026

Huge congrats on the Mentor-Connect Thumbprint Award to Anca Sala and Louis McIntyre. Pamela Silvers, PI Mentor-Connect, presented the award in recognition of five years of outstanding service mentoring aspiring NSF ATE grantees. Their dedication and expertise have strengthened the Mentor-Connect program and expanded its national impact. Keep up the amazing work and thank you again for your service. 😀 💪 👏 cc: Emery DeWitt

08/04/2026

Cohort 14 hanging out at HI-TEC (High Impact Technology Exchange Conference) last week!

07/06/2026

Mentor-Connect Cohort Mentoring Applications Are Open >>>👉 Apply here
https://bit.ly/4p6Swvm

For faculty or colleges seeking NSF ATE funding who haven't yet worked with a mentor to prepare a proposal.

Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026 (submissions accepted through November 13 to account for printed materials referencing other dates). Notification of Selection: Friday, November 20, 2026
Details at link above:
Before your team starts the application, here's what to do first:
1. Read
Read the applicable NSF ATE Program Solicitation. Know what you're applying for before you write a word.
2. View
Watch the NSF ATE Program Funding Opportunities & Mentor-Connect Orientation Webinar. Registration opens in August; the webinar airs in September. It's your fastest way to understand both the ATE program and what Mentor-Connect actually does for you.
3. Review
Review faculty travel requirements and support information — covered in the same orientation webinar.
4. Assemble Your Team
This isn't a solo application. Bring your two required faculty (PI and Co-PI), plus a grant professional and a college administrator if you can. Mentor-Connect data shows 4-person teams submit proposals and win funding at higher rates than smaller teams. Travel support is available for up to 2 additional team members supporting your faculty leads.
5. Download the Application
The online form can't be saved partway through — it's one sitting, start to finish. Download the PDF version first, draft your answers as a team in Word or a text editor, then transfer everything into the online form when you're ready to submit.

Everyone who applies gets offered Mentor-Connect services. Not everyone gets into this year's cohort — so prepare like it matters, because it does.

05/22/2026

📋 Heads up, NSF ATE applicants: your Current & Pending Support forms aren't built in

👉 Head here: https://bit.ly/4nKcxXY They live in a separate federal system — and there are a few version and timing requirements that catch people off guard. Mentor-Connect's free micro-guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step.

05/13/2026

Don’t miss the last webinar in the series!!! https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__Cm1HsVPR5uaC28SOz-Dog #/registration Wednesday at 3pm Eastern. NSF ATE Proposal Budget and Budget Justification.