(86d) (NPT)2: Project and Center Grants Through the NSF Advanced Technology Education Program

This presentation will discuss successful proposals that have supported the National Network for Pulp and Paper Technology Training (npt)², a National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education Center.  (npt)² is the culmination of more than 15 years of support for technology education and training in the paper and chemical industries.  Notable grants to support this work include three multiyear and multi-institutional project grants and two center grants from the NSF ATE program coupled with USDA, industry, and state support totaling more than $15 million.  Best practices will be presented related to faculty development, laboratory development, industry supported scholarships and curricula, and college network partnerships.

The National Network for Pulp & Paper Technology Training (www.npt2.org) was created to provide the pulp and paper sector of the US forest products industry with a technologically advanced workforce (TAW) by offering exciting and effective education and training. The National Network is an alliance of community colleges, universities, industry partners and the National Science Foundation offering a proven program for recruiting, training, placing, and retaining future pulp and paper workers by providing technical curriculum, continuing education, scholarships and internships. The National Network for Pulp & Paper Technology Training’s scholarships – internships – jobs model succeeds because its partnerships address the complete cycle of worker training and development, from recruitment of new students to retention of existing workers.

The lead institution for (npt)² is Alabama Southern Community College (Thomasville AL) and the lead university partner is Auburn University through the Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering.