Beginnings: Growing the Undergraduate Spectrum Workshop into an Undergraduate Spectrum Workforce Development Program

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $998,293 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

With the continuing emerging need for new technologies, policies, and approaches to sharing the wireless spectrum, a nationwide wireless spectrum workforce development effort is needed. This workforce development effort builds upon a foundation of previously run undergraduate spectrum workshops, organized by national Spectrum Innovation Center SMART Hub, and held between 2023 and 2025. In this project, we expand the summer workshop with academic year, cohort-based mentoring program that is crafted around the summer workshop experiences to develop a spectrum workforce pipeline, and to launch knowledgeable students into wireless spectrum careers. This “Spectrum Sizzle” program includes a progression of undergraduate workshops, connected by career mentoring, internships, and ultimately career placement, that will span a student’s college experience. The goals of the project are the following: (1) Develop and execute different levels of summer Spectrum Sizzle undergraduate spectrum workshops (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) to be held at SMART Hub university campuses across the United States, designed for three summers within the college experience; (2) develop a Spectrum Sizzle mentorship program whereby clinicians and career development experts are put in regular contact with student workshop participants to mentor them toward wireless spectrum careers, and to connect students with internship and career opportunities; and (3) follow up with Spectrum Sizzle participants a

Key facts

NSF award ID
2525692
Awardee
Baylor University (TX)
SAM.gov UEI
C6T9BYG5EYX5
PI
Charles P Baylis
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Estimated total
$998,293
Funds obligated
$998,293
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/15/2025 → 08/31/2028