National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing

That's a wrap on the 2026 High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC) in Austin, TX! The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) participated in the conference alongside industry, government, and academic attendees. We recognize the two-year institutions of the Community and Technical Colleges network for their vital role in making the event a resounding success!

One major topic was how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting the future of the workforce, with panels illustrating that this influence is now integral across all industries. From classrooms to shop floors, AI will continue to be relevant to career technician education.

We extend a special thank you to all attendees who stopped by our booth to engage in conversation, seek resources, and exchange contact information for future collaborations. We encourage you to join our Community of Practice email list to foster ongoing collaboration and shared growth with the NCNGM throughout the year!

Community of Practice: https://forms.gle/4gunZMkU2oNaD8Av7

HITEC 2027 will take place in Denver, CO, and we cannot wait to see you all there in the future!

Special acknowledgments to our connections, partners, and colleagues: EdAdvance Connecticut State Community College Central Community College College of the Canyons Columbus State Community College Miami Dade College ATE Central Weld-EdManufacturing USA Springfield Technical Community College

Preconference Day 2 at the HI-TEC (High Impact Technology Exchange Conference) was a blast. The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) included an introduction and discussions with NCNGM Leadership partners and students. There was also a quick icebreaker game on AI applications in manufacturing, and breakout group discussions on the future of career technician training in advanced manufacturing and on AI's impact on those programs.

Visit the NCNGM in the exhibit hall, booth 26, today during Day 3 of the Main Conference and hear from our leadership and students on how NCNGM can help your institution, faculty, and students thrive in advanced manufacturing career technician education.

www.nextgenmfg.org

Are you at the HI-TEC (High Impact Technology Exchange Conference) in Austin, TX? The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing kicked off Day 1 of the Preconference with a Special Interest Group (SIG) Workshop, Incorporating Emotional Intelligence into Your Courses.

This workshop was led by John Birch, CEO of the Birch Group LLC. Participants were able to delve into their Emotional Intelligence (EQ) profile, apply their strengths in professional settings and classrooms, and address weaknesses or gaps in their communication styles.

Tomorrow, the preconference activities continue with the Next Generation Manufacturing Special Interest Group (SIG). This session will focus on preparing the future manufacturing workforce with the skills needed by industry, particularly in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Learn more about the conference: https://www.highimpact-tec.org

The National Science Foundation (NSF) (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is a Friend of Manufacturing Day 2026!

The Manufacturing Institute - MI's MFG Day is a great outreach resource for all Americans to invest in the talent pipeline for the next generation of manufacturing technicians.

"Why join ? Because manufacturing isn’t just about making things—it’s about shaping the future. With millions of new jobs emerging in the next decade, there’s never been a better time to explore a career in modern manufacturing. Take the first step at MFGDay.com"

The ATE Impacts Videos capture the valuable role two-year community and technical colleges play in developing the skilled technician workforce. Check out the impact that ATE initiatives have made on the lives and careers of students, administrators, educators, and industry partners. https://ateimpacts.net/videos

MFG Day’s reach depends on the collective effort of people like you sharing stories with your community and beyond. Join our next webinar to learn how to make your message count all year long!

You will learn practical strategies to:
🪴 Expand your reach to new audiences
✉️ Align your messaging with the national MFG Day story
💡 Inspire others to get involved

Join us online on Thursday, August 6, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM ET for "Spread the Word: Messaging Strategies to Amplify MFG Day."

🔗 Register: https://hubs.li/Q04ndwvg0

Register Today: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bxP2XWy7QXakbyupkNUysw

We are a little more than a week away from the highly anticipated AI in Manufacturing Joint Community of Practice scheduled for July 10th, 2026 at 1:00 pm EST via Zoom. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to the session.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing in collaboration with the National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) and the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC) is proud to present Part 2 of the Joint Community of Practice on the topic of AI in Manufacturing. This session will be moderated by Dr. Ann Beheler, and will feature the following educator and industry panelists: Erika Guerra of South Texas College, Mehrdäd Fäézi of Connecticut State Community College and Bryan Sellars of SICK Sensor Intelligence.

Register Today: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bxP2XWy7QXakbyupkNUysw

Wondering how to strengthen your current ATE project or center’s work, or even enhance future ATE proposals? Check out ATE Central’s Ideation Station, which provides helpful tips and tricks through a series of videos: https://atecentral.net/ideation