Updated: High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC) 2026
July 27 @ 8:00 am - July 30 @ 5:00 pm PDT
Updated to add concurrent sessions you don’t want to miss!!! Scroll down.
High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC)
July 27-30, 2026
Austin, TX
HI-TEC is a national conference highlighting advanced technological education, workforce development, and industry–college partnerships. Supported by the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program, the conference brings together secondary and postsecondary educators, counselors, industry professionals, and technicians to explore emerging technologies and workforce education models across areas such as advanced manufacturing, AI, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and energy technologies.
Website: https://www.highimpact-tec.org/
Monday, July 27 8:30-Noon (local)
WORKSHOP: Using Arduino Microcontrollers in the Classroom – $150
Using Arduino Microcontrollers in the Classroom Workshop will provide participants with basic microcontroller theory and operation, a curriculum and lab guidebook review and a series of hands-on laboratory activities with some tips and tricks for classroom usage. Participants will learn how to write and modify Arduino code, interface sensors and output devices, and build, test, and troubleshoot circuits. Participants will receive a Sparkfun Inventor’s Kit ($106 value) and will perform several of the hands-on laboratory activities. Laptops and software will be provided for workshop use. This workshop is sponsored by the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (NSF DUE #2000281, #2454155). Space is limited. Laptops will be provided.
Facilitators: Greg Kepner, Consultant, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA; Mel Cossette, Co-PI, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
Thursday, July 30 11:15–Noon (local)
CONCURRENT SESSION: Collaborating for Success: Industry Engagement and Grant Development
In this session, MNT-EC and MNT-EC mentees will share proven practices for working with industry and engaging various partners, including community colleges and their academic programs or grants. Participants can ask questions, get feedback, and hear how other institutions are teaming up with industry. MNT-EC will also be on hand to help institutions interested in learning more about the development of a grant idea, the writing of a grant proposal, identification of potential partnerships, and the overall proposal development process. MNT-EC will provide the information and support needed on how to get started.
Facilitators: Billie Copley, Center Director, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA; Jared Ashcroft, PI, MNT-EC, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA; Mel Cossette, CO-PI, MNT-EC, Edmonds College, Edmonds, WA