Update: Don’t miss the latest internal news:
Micro Nano Technology Education Center Promotes Billie Copley to Center Director!
Then keep reading below for student opportunities and important news.
🎓 Equipping Students for Today’s Job Market
Today’s students graduate with strong technical skills—but employers also want clarity, confidence, and communication.
Equipped for the Job Market: What Every IT Student Should Hear Before They Graduate
Join career strategist Gina Riley on Oct. 3 at 1:00 PM ET for a virtual session designed for advanced technology faculty and advisors. Learn strategies to help students articulate their value, prepare for interviews, and transition from passive applicants to proactive candidates.
This session is hosted by the National Institute for Technology in Inclusive Education & Careers (NITIC), a national collaboration supporting career readiness and workforce pathways.
🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/REEgU90WqU
Fall 2025 Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Challenge (NTEC) Announced
The NSF-funded US National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) announces its Fall 2025 Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Challenge (NTEC). NTEC fosters student-led entrepreneurship at NNCI-affiliated sites with an emphasis on developing nano-enabled solutions to global challenges.
Teams selected for NTEC receive funding support and mentorship through the Virtual NTEC Accelerator Program. The top 3 NTEC teams will be eligible for additional funding and travel support to pitch their ideas in a special Future Innovators session at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo in Raleigh, NC, March 10-12, 2026. Â Â
Students and post-docs interested in applying should complete the NTEC Online Application Form by NOON on September 22nd, 2025. Questions? Contact Dr. Matthew Hull at mahull@vt.edu. We’ll notify awardees within 10-14 days of applying.Â
CTECS 2025 Annual Community of Practice (COP)
The Career and Technology Education Consortium of States (CTECS) gathered in Boise, Idaho, Sept. 3–5, for its annual Community of Practice (COP). In partnership with Micron and the Idaho Division of Career and Technical Education (IDCTE), the event brought together representatives from 11 states and nearly 30 organizations—including high schools, CTE academies, colleges, workforce leaders, and 11 businesses (7 local)—to collaborate on closing the skills gap and preparing students for future careers.
A key focus was the Workplace Readiness Skills (WRS) credential, designed to add durable skills to every student’s professional profile so they are ready for the workplace on day one.
Center Director, Billie Copley, was in attendance to connect with colleagues and support this important national effort. Learn more about CTECS and its work.