Workforce Development

To help create the next pipeline of future engineers, ASSIST provides educational programs and resources for middle schoolers to graduate students. There are four primary areas of activity:
- Funding undergraduate research opportunities
- Offering academic programs and courses (Graduate Certificate in NanoSystems Engineering + Undergraduate Minor in Nanoscience and Technology)
- Providing opportunities for professional and translational skill development
- K-12 community outreach
- The Wearable Device Challenge has grown in participation from 8 students in 2015 to a total of 73 students in 2019. Since 2016, the event has included Middle and High School divisions.
- 115+ Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Participants
- 100+ Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
- 68% of REU and fellowship program participants are still enrolled in their current degree programs
- 64% have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in STEM fields
- 36% are employed in a STEM industry