The extension of microelectronics to new frontiers that include MEMS, nanotechnology, flexible electronics, biotechnology, energy and solid state lighting is inevitable. Development of a necessary multi faceted work force is critical to our nation's innovation edge in these fields. The Department of Microelectronic Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology received an NSF implementation grant in 2005 to institute a major department level reform (DLR) to address this critical need. The

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... elements of this effort consist of curriculum reform in the main program, creation of a novel minor program and diverse activities to reach out to K-12 and precollege community. The curriculum reform consisting of creation of free electives through course consolidations and new course development that included a new nanocharacterization laboratory based course has been instituted. A K-12 teachers' forum on microelectronics and nanotechnology has been developed and delivered. A program package that includes instructional materials, available for wider dissemination, has been developed. A unique 'service learning' co-op experience has been piloted where an engineering student spent two academic quarters in a high school under the guidance of the physics teacher to develop physics laboratories and mentor students in math and science. Feedback from students outlined the benefit of having another knowledgeable individual in the classroom to gain insight about careers in engineering which hopefully will translate into students choosing engineering as a career. These initiatives have significantly enhanced the educational programs at RIT.