This paper discusses an initiative called Product Innovation and Development (PID) that was launched at Texas A&M University. The goal of PID is to create a high impact learning environment that focuses on innovative product development. Undergraduate students are hired to develop innovative new products. The student teams generate ideas for…

Research experience has been proven to be effective in enhancing the overall educational experience for undergraduate students. In this article, two engineering research projects with undergraduate students involvement are discussed. The projects provided the undergraduate student researchers with motivation for independent research work and…

Describes the work of a curriculum committee established to create a "transfer curriculum" for engineering technology students transferring from two-year to four-year programs. The resulting program (which allows flexibility while providing some guidance for engineering technology programs), transfer problems, issues, and public response…

A project was conducted in Texas to establish a statewide articulated network of manufacturing engineering technology education at the community college and technical college level and to articulate that network upward with the appropriate four-year bachelor's degree programs in the state. The participants included 4 Texas State Technical College…

These proceedings from a conference with leading experts examines the hugely successful American model of technological and scientific innovation. They stress the critical importance of government funding of physical science for the realms of national security, education, and industry. Kent Hughes and Frederick M. Bush, both of the Woodrow Wilson…

The Cooke County College and Gainesville Independent School District (Texas) jointly offer students the opportunity to obtain 4 full years of electronics training--2 in high school and 2 in college--through an articulation agreement. This "2 + 2" program gives students two options from which to choose depending upon their career goals:…

The first part of this document is a report of a project conducted in Texas to develop and deliver a viable education and training system that would produce a competitive work force. The system is built on the SCANS (Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) competencies and personal qualities that are generic to all occupations. Four…

A study explored the use of career concentration areas in Texas school systems and recommended broad career concentration areas. Of the 40 largest school districts, 35 responded to the survey. Approximately 58 percent currently use variations of the career concentration area concept to help students prepare for working life. Respondents…

A research team gathered and disseminated information on effective tech prep policies and practices for developing and evaluating program curriculums in the broad career pathways of allied health, business, and engineering technology in Texas. Data were gathered through interviews, site visits, document analysis, and surveys. Curricular documents…