Each of these generations has been specifically designed to meet the dynamic engineering demands of the United States.
Due to the limited amount of funding available for ERCs, the program is competitive; out of 143 proposals submitted in 2008, only 5 were awarded centers.
[4][5][6] The first generation of NSF ERCs began between 1985 and 1990 and encouraged academic institutions to focus education on manufacturing and commercial design.
The National Science Foundation began funding the second generation of centers beginning in 1994 and continued until 2006.
Beginning in 2008, the NSF began accepting proposals for the third generation (Gen-3) of Engineering Research Centers.
Gen-3 ERCs were largely created due to decreased student interest in sciences and engineering and an increasingly global economy.
In creating the Gen-3 ERCs, the NSF recognized that streamlining existing processes is not enough to remain competitive in a global market.
[7][10] In addition, ERCs partner with local K-12 institutions to increase the abilities of science and engineering educators.