This article talks about a joint effort between the National Science Foundation and the nation's community colleges that helps students secure jobs in technical career fields. It describes Advanced Technological Education Program (ATE), National Science Foundation's (NSF's) premier initiative with two-year colleges that was created in response to a burgeoning need for workers with enhanced technical prowess. Buoyed by a hearty federal grant program--Congress awarded NSF some $45 million in competitive grants for ATE's continued expansion in 2006--and partnerships with local community colleges, ATE program directors have launched 32 national "Centers of Excellence," each specializing in one of six evolving job markets: (1) agriculture technology and biotechnology; (2) chemical and process technology; (3) engineering technology; (4) environmental technology; (5) information technology; and (6) manufacturing and nanotechnology. Supporters of the program--which benefits some 400,000 students nationwide--say the centers promote stronger collaboration with industry while enabling students to experience firsthand the rigors of "real-world" employment.