The Technology Gateway is designed to increase student awareness of career opportunities as highly skilled technicians and to prepare students to enroll and be successful in engineering technology (ET) or related programs at a technical or community college. It is an integrated, problem based course of study that models the workplace through the use of industrial-type problems. Physics/technology, mathematics, and communications are taught concurrently in the context of solving workplace related problems.

Technology Gateway may meet a variety of needs at the high school level. Some students may need more skills in mathematics, science, and/or communications in order to qualify for college-level technology programs. Other students may need the Technology Gateway to experience a hands-on environment enabling them to learn teaming and other workplace readiness skills. Students may take Technology Gateway courses for dual credit (high school and technical college credit).

The Engineering Technology Core (ET Core) provides the general education component for any engineering technology major. Physics, mathematics, communications, and engineering technology courses are taught concurrently in the context of solving workplace-related problems. ET Core modules investigate six physical systems (electrical, mechanical, fluids, thermal, optics, and materials) relevant to the study of engineering technology.

The intent of the ET Core curriculum approach is to recruit, retain and graduate more highly skills technicians. It will provide an instructions approach and a curriculum that has been validated by industry. It will also help to answer student questions: Why do I need to learn this? How is it relevant? How will I use it?

The Industrial Core is a curriculum designed to teach communications, mathematics, technology, teamwork, and problem-solving competencies in context for various industrial technology majors. The Industrial Core modules cover introduction to technology careers, basic hand tools, mechanical advantage, basic electricity, and hydraulic systems.

This 56-page monograph presents the results of two research studies and focus group and panel discussions on recruitment and retention of students in engineering technology programs at the two-year college level. Research findings offer a tool for developing effective student retention strategies.

The CDT outlines specific steps in the process for developing a new module for use in the SCATE Engineering Technology Core Curriculum.

A case study for the use of the SCATE Technology Gateway curriculum as a model for dropout prevention in the White County (Georgia) High School.

For more ATE resources online, visit our sponsor, the National Science Foundation (NSF), as well as sites for our national partners and affiliated initiatives.