SE Valley Times

Rio Salado College and the University of Arizona Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing have entered into a formal partnership to strengthen Arizona's semiconductor workforce. The collaboration, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on November 5, aims to develop educational pathways for students at both high school and college levels. These pathways are designed to equip students with practical skills necessary for the state's burgeoning semiconductor industry.

The signing event was attended by key figures from both institutions, including Dr. Kate Smith, president of Rio Salado College, and Dr. Liesl Folks, vice president for Semiconductor Strategy at the University of Arizona. Also present were Janelle Elias, vice president for Academic Affairs, Strategy and Advancement at Rio Salado College, and Dr. Rick Vaughn, faculty chair for STEM Initiatives at Rio.

"This MOU 'solidifies our partnership around building the semiconductor workforce,' highlighting the shared commitment to creating flexible and accessible pathways in semiconductor manufacturing," stated Smith.

In collaboration with Chandler Unified School District, both institutions are developing a two-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) program focused on Semiconductor Manufacturing. This initiative serves as an entry point into careers within this expanding sector in Arizona.

"Defining and communicating clearly to students the pathways that can take them from high school to great careers in the microelectronics industry is at the heart of this MOU," said Folks.

Rio Salado offers several career pathway opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing education, including two certificates and an associate degree. Additionally, it provides a customized program for adult learners seeking a high school equivalency degree while acquiring career-ready skills in semiconductor manufacturing. The college's Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate program for veterans gained attention earlier this year when featured on PBS NewsHour in a segment titled "How Arizona is building the workforce to manufacture semiconductors in the U.S."

The University of Arizona Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing offers graduate and undergraduate certificates alongside degree programs. This past summer saw the launch of their Chips and Wafers semiconductor camp in Chandler aimed at introducing high school students to this field.

Both institutions continue working with industry partners to support growth within Arizona's semiconductor sector as well as nationally.