Dakota County Technical College
Rosemount, MN
- Enables community colleges and high schools to infuse nanotechnology into curricula in easy stages.
- Creates self-contained, complete, and technically sound topical and contextual modules.
- Coordinates career path options with student abilities, industry needs, and university programs.
Nano-Link Modules Meet Needs at Various Levels
Nano-Link’s modular packaging of nanotechnology content allows educators and students to implement specific aspects of nanotechnology appropriate to their discipline. For example, modules can be inserted into environmental, biotech, electronic, and energy curricula at the community college level.
A specific set of modules addresses incumbent workers’ needs. Nano-Link currently is working with the precision manufacturing industry in Minnesota, a paper products company, and an electronics company to educate current employees about nanoscience advances in these industries.
The completeness of each contextual module allows it to be easily integrated with traditional high school science curriculum as well. Each module includes background information, presentation materials, activities, quiz materials, and experiments. More than 3,000 high school students have learned about nanotechnology with Nano-Link’s modular approach.
Nano-Link Provides Technicians to Wide Range of Employers
Nano-Link develops “nano-savvy” individuals who understand the big ideas of nanotechnology and nanotechnology’s applications in various disciplines as well as the knowledge to apply these skills in many industry sectors.
In addition to the modules it has developed for a broad range of audiences, Nano-Link has more than 180 college students enrolled in its associate in applied sciences (AAS) degree programs. While a significant percentage of the AAS degree program graduates choose to continue their educations at 4-year institutions, the majority are finding jobs involving nanotechnology in electronics, materials research, coatings, quality assurance, testing, and biotechnology.
Nano-Link’s program content and hands-on experiences are constantly evolving to keep up with industry requirements. More than 75 companies advise Nano-Link about the skills, knowledge, and abilities their technicians need.
Nano-Link Takes Nanoscience To High School Teachers & Students
Nano-Links’ professional development courses have informed more than 250 high school teachers about nanotechnology. As a result of these courses, more than 2,000 high school students are learning not only about nanotechnology but also about the application of science, technology, engineering, and math in various careers.