

NITIC Impact Report 2024–2025
The National Information Technology Innovation Center (NITIC) is an NSF ATE National Center, funded by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, which aims to strengthen the skills of technicians who work in high-tech, STEM fields that drive the U.S. economy.
NITIC continues to drive national progress in IT technician education through strategic partnerships, faculty development, and industry-informed programming.
In its second year, NITIC expanded professional learning opportunities, strengthened workforce alignment, supported innovative teaching practices, and fostered a vibrant community of practice for IT educators across the country.
NITIC Impact Report 2024–2025 Highlights
Professional Development
NITIC’s Working Connections program expanded significantly in Year 2, offering seasonal, tuition-free professional development for IT faculty across the country. These sessions focused on high-demand technologies and directly impacted classroom instruction.
- 6 events with 424 seats filled across 21 tracks in Year 2
- Topics included AI (5 tracks), Cloud (3), Data Analytics (3), Cybersecurity (3), Software Development (2), Containers (2), Proxmox VE, IoT & Automation, and more
- 91% average course completion rate; 25–30% of attendees were new; 95% said they could apply the training in their classrooms
Industry Alignment (BILT)
NITIC’s Business & Industry Leadership Teams (BILTs) ensure that curriculum and training align with real-world workforce needs. Through Mega BILTs and SME BILTs, employers help define job skills and trends in emerging technologies.
- 7 BILT meetings held: 3 Mega BILTs and 4 SME BILTs (AI, Software Dev, Infrastructure, Data Analytics)
- 88 BILT members representing 73 companies across 19 states
- 38% local, 28% regional, and 46% national company representation
Community of Practice
The IT Innovation Network (ITIN) fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among IT faculty nationwide. Through webinars, surveys, and discussion threads, the network supports professional growth and innovation.
- 137 member institutions with 491 individual accounts
- 7,700+ website users with 55% counted as engaged
- 11 webinars with an average of 34 participants from 26 institutions
Mini Grant Funding
NITIC’s mini-grant program supports faculty-led innovation in IT education. Projects span curriculum development, employer engagement, and integration of emerging technologies.
- Round 1: 6 awards totaling $60K
- Round 2: 18 applications received; plans to award $80–100K
- Projects include AI for instructors and students, gamified learning, flipped classrooms, and more
Innovation Clearinghouse
The Clearinghouse serves as a central hub for IT curriculum resources, instructional materials, and trends analysis. Tech Teams are now contributing content aligned with emerging technologies and instructional needs.
- 39 curated resources published on AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and more
- Expansion plan includes AI tools, podcasts, vendor trainings, and white papers
- Tech Teams launched to support content creation and review
National Conferences
NITIC actively shares its work at national conferences to broaden its impact and engage with the wider IT education community. Presentations highlight curriculum innovation, employer engagement, and instructional tools.
- Team members represented NITIC at 15+ national conferences
- Featured in an Innovation Demo and Spotlight Sessions at the ATE PI Conference 2024
- HI-TEC 2025 participation includes a pre-conference workshop, session presentation, a NITIC-hosted reception, and an exhibit booth
- Additional conferences include AACC, NCPN, League for Innovation, and the National Conference on AI
- Presentation topics included AI-infused curriculum, BILT model, and IT educator tools
Looking Ahead: 2025–2026 Initiatives
NITIC’s Year 3 initiatives will deepen its impact through expanded programming, new resources, and enhanced employer engagement. The focus will remain on emerging technologies, inclusive excellence, and sustainable innovation.