Cooperative Agreement 2322734

This $732,964 Cooperative Agreement award from the National Science Foundation (CFDA 47.084 - NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships) is for the PIVOTS: CHICAGOLAND PARTNERSHIP FOR SEMICONDUCTOR AND MICROELECTRONICS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING project. The project aims to prepare individuals from underrepresented minority groups with the skills necessary to start new careers in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry in the Chicagoland area through a series of compensated experiential learning activities. The project involves a partnership between a university, non-profit community organizations, a national laboratory, and industry to provide hands-on training, internship opportunities, and professional development support. The goals are to increase awareness of and participation in semiconductor and microelectronics careers among underrepresented groups, support economic development in the Chicagoland region's high-tech sector, and bolster national security by developing a diverse domestic workforce for the critical semiconductor industry. The award will fund this 3-year project, which is expected to produce promising practices for reskilling individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and transitioning them into semiconductor and microelectronics careers.