About the Center for Nanoscience Technology Training (CNTT)

Mission Statement
The Mission of the North Dakota State College of Science Center for Nanoscience Technology Training (CNTT) is to support economic development within the state of North Dakota. The CNTT will meet the increasing need for technically skilled workers in the emerging technologies located throughout the Red River Valley, North Dakota and the surrounding region through the creation and delivery of educational and training programs based upon industry standards.

Purpose
The NDSCS Center for Nanoscience Technology Training will address the educational and technical training needs in emerging technologies of North Dakota and the surrounding region. NDSCS-CNTT will create modular educational and training materials that are designed to be delivered in a variety of methods. When fully implemented, the CNTT will provide educational and technical training opportunities in the following ways:

• Associate of Applied Science Degree, Diploma and Certificate — These one- and two-year occupational and technical degree programs specialize in theory and application courses, extensive hands-on instrumentation training and an extensive internship component.
• Associate in Science Transfer Curriculums — These academic programs allow students interested in pursuing additional degrees to transfer their credits and training from NDSCS to a four-year college or university. This curriculum also will include higher-level courses in science and math, theory and application courses, extensive hands-on instrumentation training and an extensive internship component.
• Workforce Training — These non-credit short courses, workshops and training modules are designed for currently employed, incumbent industry workers to upgrade their skill sets and improve their employment opportunities.

Area of Focus
The CNTT will provide educational and technology training opportunities in the following areas as a result of existing industry strengths in the region and identified potential growth areas:

• Nanotechnology, since fall 2006;
• Bio-fuels Technology, start date fall 2008;
• Biotechnology, option under development with an anticipated start date fall 2009; and
• Microelectronics/Micromanufacturing Technology, option under development with an anticipated start date fall 2009.