Nanotechnology Education across Various Populations: The Example of Military Service Members in the United States

This rapid article introduces and presents the Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program (MNCP) hosted by the Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization (CNEU) at the Pennsylvania State University. The program aims at training veterans, active-duty military members, and their immediate relatives nationwide to enter the microfabrication and nanotechnology workforce. This not only contributes to meeting the growing workforce needs but also provides transition paths for veterans in the areas of semiconductor fabrication and nanomanufacturing. The MNCP is supported by the National Science Foundation and involves significant contributions from community colleges, universities, and industry. This article provides an overview of the functioning of the MNCP that is based on a resource-sharing model.