Pivots: Chicagoland Partnership for Semiconductor and Microelectronics Experiential Learning

Chicago State University, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

The project responds to two national imperatives - the national security concerns arising from the reliance on computing components manufactured abroad and the need to create opportunities for in the STEM workforce. The project is a partnership between a university, non-profit community organizations, a national laboratory and industry to equip workers with the skills necessary to start new careers in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry in Chicagoland by reskilling them through a series of compensated experiential learning activities. The results of the project include the creation of a skilled and competitive high technology workforce in the emergent and growing semiconductor and microelectronics industry in the Midwest -- a region historically well-suited for industrial production but long challenged by the effects of deindustrialization from globalization. The semiconductor industry is critical to economic competitiveness and national security. By supplying an educated and ready workforce, the project helps to improve national security through improving the human capital that supports the domestic production of semiconductors and microelectronics and through the diversification of the location of their manufacturing in Illinois and the Midwest. There are five goals of the project: increased awareness of career opportunities in the local semiconductors and microelectronics industry, increased participation of learners in the U.S. semiconductors and microelectronics industry, provision of experiential learning opportunities and support for working adults to transition into new careers in semiconductors and microelectronics manufacturing, increased economic development of the Midwest region in the area of high technology and support of national security interests of the U.S. by developing a skilled domestic workforce prepared to work in semiconductors and microelectronics manufacturing. These goals are accomplished through a four-phase model of educational experiences along with a mentorship and support program. Phase 1 provides foundational knowledge of semiconductors and microelectronics through hands-on activities provided in classroom/small laboratory settings; Phase 2 is the completion of an experiment or project at a national laboratory; Phase 3 is a mini-internship at an employer in the semiconductors and microelectronics industry; and Phase 4 is participation in a job fair and developing a professional development plan. The project will advance the knowledge in workforce development by generating promising practices about reskilling individuals’ entry into careers in the microelectronics and semiconductors industry. 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.