US ceramics programme receives further funding
The programme Professional Development for Hypersonic Materials received a two-year extension of federal funding.
The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) and the U.S. Advanced Ceramics Association was awarded a contract under the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program in January 2024.
The expansion includes 18 planned activities over two years, including conference-based short courses, regional in-person training, virtual courses, in-house training at prime contractors and DOD facilities, and kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) teacher training workshops in collaboration with the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation.
It aims to reach new industry and agency audience not currently served by the market, increase the visibility of hypersonic materials workforce development and introduce K-12 students to materials science.
‘The overwhelmingly positive response to our initial programme demonstrated the significant demand for specialised knowledge in these advanced materials,’ says Mark Mecklenborg, ACerS executive director.
‘Nearly 60% of attendees came from prime contractors or their supply chains, with another 25% representing military and government entities, validating our approach to workforce development in this critical field.’
