Etste DCL: microelectronics at the community college: an introduction to semiconductor manufacture and characterization

Salt Lake Community College received a $1.0M project grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Undergraduate Education under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028. This project addresses semiconductor industry workforce needs by developing and enhancing micro-/nanotechnology education pathways at the community college level. The primary products and services include: (1) augmentation of the existing micro-/nanotechnology certificate program through increased industry engagement, including annual on-site visits to semiconductor fabrication facilities facilitated by the Microscopy Professional Advisory Committee; and (2) implementation of new introductory characterization and fabrication workshops designed to increase enrollment in the certificate of proficiency program and expose students to semiconductor manufacturing operations and career opportunities.

Upon completion, students will gain practical exposure to semiconductor manufacturing processes, access to a professional network of engineers and technicians for mentorship and career guidance, and preparation for either direct entry into technician roles at local semiconductor facilities or advancement to four-year institutions for further education. Utah Valley University serves as a sub-awardee (sub-award dated November 3, 2025), collaborating with Salt Lake Community College on workforce and academic pathway development in microscopy and nanotechnology, strengthening the regional capacity for semiconductor technician training and education.

Abstract

This project aims to address the workforce needs of the semiconductor industry by increasing awareness of semiconductor manufacturing and related career opportunities among community college student populations. The project intends to include high-impact practices such as mentorship activities involving engineers and technicians, as well as evidence-based, NSF validated practices that utilize introductory micro-/nanotechnology workshops for students and faculty. Development of new project activities that augment existing micro-/nanotechnology programs are intended to create pathways for semiconductor-based employment. Upon successful completion of the proposed program, students are expected to gain exposure to semiconductor manufacturing and a network of professionals to consult regarding career opportunities, increased awareness of the importance of micro-/nanotechnology, and access to a program that provides micro-/nanotechnology-based training. Students who complete this program will be poised to help meet the needs of the semiconductor workforce by working as technicians at local industry sites or articulating to a four-year transfer institution for advanced education and training. The two primary goals are (1) principal investigators will leverage existing relationships with industry professionals serving on the microscopy professional advisory committee to evaluate and augment the existing micro-/nanotechnology certificate program. This will be accomplished with increased industry involvement which includes annual on-site industry visits exposing students to day-to-day operations at semiconductor fabrication sites. (2) project activities will be used to increase enrollment in the existing micro-/nanotechnology certificate of proficiency program. A series of new introductory characterization and fabrication workshops will introduce students to commonly used micro-/nanofabrication techniques. These techniques will include atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and photolithography. This project is funded by the advanced technological education program and is supported in part by funds from intel corporation under the etste DCL. The program focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced-technology fields that drive the nation's economy. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.