National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing

09/18/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCT 5TH! BILT Academy for Manufacturing Now Accepting Applications!

https://www.nextgenmfg.org/business-industry-leadership-team

The CORD (Center for Occupational Research & Development) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing are partnering to deliver the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) Academy, designed for community and technical college programs focused on advanced manufacturing. BILTs leverage deep employer insights to drive program relevance and shape curriculum that directly addresses evolving industry needs. CORD’s BILT Academy® helps college teams implement the National Science Foundation supported BILT model, a proven method for strategic employer engagement.

Use the link below for more information on how to apply to the academy today. The submission deadline has been extended to October 5th, 2026!

https://www.nextgenmfg.org/business-industry-leadership-team

09/15/2026

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) is a proud Gold sponsor and exhibitor of the annual National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC) Conference. The NCATC 2026 Conference convenes advanced technology centers, industry representatives, career technician educators, and other stakeholders to share strategies for workforce education. The annual conference will include breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall that offers academia and industry a platform to explore innovations and best practices in advanced technological education.

Visit the NCNGM in the exhibit hall at booth 21 to learn more about our nationwide impact on advanced manufacturing career technical education through community and technical colleges.

www.nextgenmfg.org

Registration is still open for the 2026 NCATC Conference: https://ncatc.org/ncatc-2026-conference

09/11/2026

BILT Academy for Manufacturing Now Accepting Applications!

The Center for Occupational Research & Development (CORD) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing are partnering to deliver the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) Academy, designed for community and technical college programs focused on advanced manufacturing. BILTs leverage deep employer insights to drive program relevance and shape curriculum that directly addresses evolving industry needs. CORD’s BILT Academy® helps college teams implement the National Science Foundation supported BILT model, a proven method for strategic employer engagement.

Use the link below for more information on how to apply to the academy today. The submission deadline is September 25th, 2026!

https://www.cord.org/2026-manufacturing-leadership-academy-new/

09/09/2026

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing released its quarterly newsletter earlier this week. This issue of Tech Times highlights initiatives from the NCNGM community for late spring through summer 2026. If you haven't received it by email, we highly recommend joining our Community of Practice to receive the most up-to-date notices. Don't forget to follow us on social media and check our website regularly!

Become a member of the Community of Practice here: https://forms.gle/kjRw31Mn6qoyFctL7

You can also view all of our past quarterly newsletter editions at https://www.nextgenmfg.org/newsletter !

The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is funded by the National Science Foundation under DUE ATE # 2335016. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Scienc...

09/08/2026

Under the continued leadership of Dr. Karen Wosczyna Birch as Executive Director and Principal Investigator, we are thrilled to announce that the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) has been awarded a $7.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. Beginning in October 2026, this five-year grant (DUE ATE # 2556246) will allow the Center to continue and expand its vital initiatives. This sustained funding recognizes our leadership team’s exemplary work in advancing advanced manufacturing education and collaborating with industry to develop the competitive global workforce the United States needs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our fiduciary partner, EdAdvance, alongside our leadership team and partner institutions—including Lorain County Community College, College of the Canyons, Columbus State Community College, and Central Community College—for their ongoing support and dedication.

Since 2021, the Center has engaged with over 360 community colleges nationwide. With this grant renewal, through the NSF’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, the Center aims to expand its programs, foster more industry collaborations, and improve training resources for the manufacturing workforce. Our extensive national network of community and technical colleges, industry, and organizations aims to revitalize America's skilled manufacturing workforce.​ The NCNGM helps transform the public perception of manufacturing from low-skilled, unsatisfying jobs to rewarding, well-compensated careers.​ This renewal will extend our reach and amplify our impact, reinforcing our shared commitment to innovation and workforce development. We invite our stakeholders, other partner institutions, and industry professionals to continue collaborating with us through upcoming programming and events!

Upcoming Community of Practice, registration required for Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YaLEka6lSvyIc6U7coBx-w

www.nextgenmfg.org

09/04/2026

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing's Executive Director, Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, was featured in WTNH News 8 coverage of the 2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Forum. She emphasizes that an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-ready workforce isn't just about AI replacing workers, but about workers who know AI replacing those who don't. She supports building a strong learning foundation while acknowledging AI's future. Read the article and watch the video at the link below!

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The state’s Manufacturing Innovation Summit went on all day Tuesday in Hartford, where hundreds of people discussed the future of making things in Connecticut. Organi…

09/03/2026

Under the continued leadership of Dr. Karen Wosczyna Birch as Executive Director and Principal Investigator, the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) is excited to announce the renewal of the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant! The Center made this official announcement at the 2026 Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Forum on Tuesday morning, with around 600 industry, education, student, and government stakeholders in attendance. Special thanks to the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing for inviting Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch to officially announce the renewal with their platform.

Dr. Wosczyna-Birch also moderated the panel “From CNC to ChatGPT: Integrating AI into Manufacturing Education” alongside educators and industry experts as follows: Jonathan Costa, Director of EdAdvance; David Bergman, Professor and Associate Dean at University of Connecticut School of Business; George Bollas, Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering; Margherita Mauriello, MSBAPM, PgMP, IT Director, Statutory & Tax at Stanley Black & Decker Inc.;and Ben Cohen Research Assistant, University of Connecticut, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

The Center extends congratulations to all the Innovation and Student Awardees during The American Manufacturing Hall of Fame: Henkel; Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD); Avon High School; Windsor Locks and Suffield High Schools; and Middletown High School. The American Manufacturing Hall of Fame has become New England’s premier voice in manufacturing and educating the next generation of makers.

www.americanmanufacturinghof.com

Beginning in October 2026, the NCNGM grant (DUE ATE # 2556246) will support advanced manufacturing technician education initiatives for approximately five more years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our leadership team, including Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, Lorain County Community College, College of the Canyons, Columbus State Community College, and Central Community College, as well as our national AI in education partners, Miami Dade College and EdAdvance, for their ongoing support.

08/17/2026

Are you attending the Connecticut Innovation Forum on September 1st, 2026? The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) will be there. Our Director and Principal Investigator of the NCNGM, Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, will moderate the panel “From CNC to ChatGPT: Integrating AI into Manufacturing Education.” She is joined by panelists Jonathan Costa, Director of EdAdvance; David Bergman, Professor and Associate Dean at UConn School of Business; George Bollas, Professor and Associate Dean at the UConn College of Engineering; and Margherita Mauriello, IT Director, Statutory & Tax at Stanley Black & Decker.

“While predicting the future of manufacturing technology is a perilous exercise, there are a number of workplace trends being driven by AI that provide solid evidence of where things are probably headed. This session will explore these occupational elements and provide a peak around the corner regarding what future manufacturing work might look like in an economic landscape dominated by AI.” Read more at: https://web.cvent.com/event/52ed7182-4bda-4e05-bd70-88f9fb4e08be/summary

We look forward to this event and hope you will join us for a statewide day of manufacturing collaboration and discussion!

08/17/2026

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) proudly sponsored, presented, and exhibited at the Rhode Island Association for Career and Technical Education Summer Conference. Highlights included keynote speaker Matt Mervis from Skills21 at EdAdvance and co-host of the ChatEDU Podcast, along with other sponsors and organizations. This event brought together Rhode Island’s ACTE community for professional development, networking, and outreach opportunities. The host, New England Institute of Technology, was an excellent venue to showcase their facilities and invited students from across the state to learn from career technician educators and industry partners.

Supporting organizations are as follows: LIUNA, EduPolaris AI Corporation, SkillsUSA, Delta Dental Ins., Pearson, Lori A Ferguson Consulting, YouScience, Savvas Learning Company, zSpace, Inc., The College Board, Brisk Teaching, Paxton/Patterson Labs, Lakeshore Learning Materials, Rhode Island Nursing Education Center, Snap-On, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Roger Williams University, Lincoln Tech, WindWinRI , VR Core Education, MyCareerCloset, Rhode Island College, FCCLA, Del's Lemonade, Trader Joe's

08/07/2026

Final HI-TEC Highlights! Last week, the National Science Foundation (NSF) (NSF) funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing participated in and was an executive producer of the HI-TEC (High Impact Technology Exchange Conference). We highlighted some events, sessions, and notable initiatives during this week post-conference.

The Center’s Director and Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Karen Wosczyna Birch, participated in a luncheon panel discussion with other P*s of NSF ATE National Centers. Together, each center explored the effects of artificial intelligence in their sectors, addressing issues such as cybersecurity attacks, environmental concerns, and job security. They also answered questions from the audience about how community colleges can implement and upskill technician training programs and prepare graduates for the AI-ready workplace.

The moderator and panel participants pictured below are as follows: Dr. Kristine Christensen, Director and Principal Investigator of Explore Cyber at Moraine Valley Community College Main Campus; Dr. Karen Wosczyna Birch, Principal Investigator, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM); Andrew McMahan, Director, the Environmental and Natural Resources Technology Center (EARTh Center); Kevin Cooper, Principal Investigator, National Electric Vehicle Consortium (NEVC); and Michele Robinson, Senior Director, National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE Center).

That wraps up our highlights this week. HITEC 2027 will take place in Denver, CO, and we cannot wait to see you all there in the future!