Project Grant 2500695

This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (CFDA 47.076 - STEM Education) in the amount of $944,769 will support a collaborative initiative between Maricopa County Community College District, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and the Chandler Unified School District. The project aims to build flexible educational pathways from high school through community college to university and industry employment in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry. Key activities include developing industry-aligned curricula, establishing training partnerships, promoting flexible learning models, and fostering professional learning communities among educators and industry partners. The project intends to create new courses and credentials for semiconductor technician roles, implement articulated credit pathways, and integrate with apprenticeship programs and state-level career initiatives. Through the formation of an industry advisory board and rigorous program evaluation, the project plans to continuously refine its offerings to address evolving workforce needs in the semiconductor field. The anticipated outcomes include increased student retention, improved job placement, and the creation of a scalable model for national replication to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain.