CNSE has been assisting school districts in the implementation of programs that encourage science awareness in grades K-12 and help build the science and technology workforce of the future. These programs include the creation of school-to-work activities such as internships, scholarships, summer activities, and a K-12 science and technology curriculum that will provide strong skill foundation for students.
In October 2006, CNSE announced the $500,000 "NanoHigh" initiative. The mission of this pilot program between CNSE and the City School District of Albany is to develop and implement innovative science and engineering educational programs between Albany High School and CNSE. Under its pilot phase, NanoHigh will focus on school-to-work activities designed to train AHS students in creative nanoscience and nanoengineering concepts, and help equip them with the skill set necessary to pursue advanced educational opportunities in the emerging field of nanotechnology. Qualified AHS students will receive fellowships to participate in nanotechnology-related science and engineering programs at CNSE, including one-on-one instruction from CNSE's world-class faculty and an insider's view of research at CNSE's Albany NanoTech complex, which features tools and facilities that are unparalleled in the academic setting.
NanoHigh is an outgrowth of the successful Albany High School-CNSE Engineering and Nanotechnology Exploration Programs, where CNSE partners with Albany High School in its Explorations program. The goal of the program is to immerse AHS seniors in a professional atmosphere to provide a unique educational experience and an in-depth introduction to potential career areas. In partnership with CNSE, AHS seniors are introduced to potential career paths in nanoscience, nanoengineering and nanotechnology through daily, on-site instruction and research activity.
In January 2007, CNSE received a gift of $250,000 from KeyBank and the Key Foundation to launch the Nanotechnology Explorations for Science, Training and Education Promotion (NEXSTEP) program, spearheaded by CNSE's NanoEconomics Constellation. NEXSTEP will include a series of educational initiatives that will promote greater understanding of, and exposure to, the region's changing economic and business environment, driven by nanotechnology, with a special emphasis on three C's: children, citizens and community. NEXSTEP will provide unique educational and career exploration opportunities for high school students in the field of nanotechnology, as well as unparalleled insight for leaders in the business, government and not-for-profit sectors into the dynamic forces that are rapidly transforming our region and state.
CNSE also hosts several programs for undergraduate and secondary school student internships to participate in onsite research in nanoscale science, nanoscale engineering, and nanotechnology. In addition, in partnership with UAlbany's STEP and C-STEP programs, CNSE hosts high school students from traditionally underrepresented groups to stimulate their interest in science, technology, and engineering programs.
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