Why is it important to Washington?
It is expected that nanotechnology will eventually become a trillion-dollar industry, which will add upwards of 800,000 jobs to the country's economy in the next 15 years.

The Washington Technology Center has created a Washington Nanotechnology Initiative to increase the state's share of this market - and the jobs that come with it.

Why did NSCC create this degree?
NSCC's associate of applied science - transfer degree in nanotechnology was spurred by the emergence of nanotechnology, which as one of the newest technologies, lacks of a trained workforce, yet is expected to grow into a trillion-dollar industry in the next decade.

What are the career opportunities for holders of this degree?
NSCC's 100-credit degree will prepare graduates for entry-level technician positions in the nano/micro-fabrication industry and related manufacturing industries. The multidisciplinary design of this program will provide graduates with the skills to enter a wide range of materials-based industries, such as aerospace, electronics, and sciences. Many of its courses will also be transferable to four-year colleges.

Is NSCC working with other organizations, schools and universities?
Yes. Two key partners are The Washington Technology Center, which has a Micro-Fabrication Laboratory that will be used by the college to provide students with hands-on experience in a "clean room," and the University of Washington Center for Nanotechnology.

NSCC is also taking a leadership role in establishing a seamless continuum of nanotechnology education from K-12 through college. It is developing a coalition of educational institutions that includes the University of Washington's Center for Nanotechnology, Washington State University, and Eastern Washington University, 18 community and technical colleges, and the Seattle Public Schools.

How can I learn more about nanotechnology?
The following websites provide a good background into this new area:

Washington Technology Center
www.watechcenter.org

Center for the Study of Nanotechnology at the UW
www.nano.washington.edu/

Washington Nanotechnology Initiative
http://www.watechcenter.org/index.php?p=Washington+Nanotechnology+Initiative&s=478

National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
http://www.nnin.org/

Basic news and information on nanotechnology
http://www.nanotech-now.com/

Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University
http://www.iinano.org/

Penn State Center for Nanotechnology Education
http://www.cneu.psu.edu/resources.html