By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Rio Salado College has been awarded nearly $1 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand semiconductor education in Arizona — helping prepare more students for high-demand, high-paying careers in this rapidly growing industry.
The $944,769 grant (NSF Award No. 2500695) was awarded through the NSF's Advanced Technical Education (ATE) program in response to the Enhancing Engineering Technology and Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician Education (ETSTE) initiative — a cooperative partnership between NSF and Intel Corporation to address semiconductor workforce development nationwide.
This ETSTE DCL: Semiconductor Pathways in Arizona's Technical Education grant is part of a 10-year, $100 million NSF-Intel collaboration to strengthen semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technician education across the country.
The goal of the grant is to create a coordinated, statewide approach to semiconductor technician education that meets both student and industry needs. The initiative will help Arizona keep pace with growing workforce demands from companies like TSMC, Intel, and other manufacturers expanding operations across the state.
"I'm incredibly honored to lead this transformative project and to partner with such exceptional institutions – the Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing at the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, and Chandler Unified School District," said Dr. Rick Vaughn, Rio Salado's Faculty Chair for STEM Initiatives.
"Together, we're not just building educational programs; we're creating pathways that will change lives and position Arizona as a national leader in semiconductor workforce development."
Building Arizona's Semiconductor Workforce
Over the next three years, Rio Salado College will use the NSF funding to:
- Build Workforce Capacity – Hire a Student Services Specialist and Laboratory Technician to support student success and lab operations.
- Develop Industry-Aligned Curriculum – Create an Introduction to the Semiconductor Industry course and a new Process Technician certificate program.
- Invest in Equipment and Technology – Purchase specialized lab equipment and virtual reality (VR) headsets to expand lab experiences for students statewide.
- Establish Seamless Pathways – Connect high school CTE programs with community college and university workforce programs.
- Offer Professional Development – Create learning communities where educators collaborate with industry professionals on hands-on lab projects.
- Enhance Student Support – Provide advising, progress tracking, and job placement services for students in semiconductor technician programs.
- Engage Industry Partners – Form a Semiconductor Industry Advisory Board to ensure Rio's programs align with evolving workforce needs.
With Arizona attracting more than $102 billion in semiconductor investment and creating over 15,700 new industry jobs, Vaughn said the timing of the grant is crucial.
"This collaboration ensures our students – whether they're veterans, adult learners, or recent high school graduates – will have clear pathways to high-quality, high-paying careers in one of the most exciting and important industries of our time," he said.
Flexible Learning, Real-World Skills
Rio Salado College currently offers three semiconductor program options:
- Introduction to Semiconductor Manufacturing (Fast Track Certificate)
- Semiconductor Manufacturing (Certificate)
- Semiconductor Manufacturing (Associate Degree)
All programs are certified by the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NiiCA), ensuring alignment with the skills and knowledge employers seek in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor careers.
Classes are offered in a hybrid format, combining convenient online learning with hands-on, in-person lab experiences.
Learn more about how you can start your semiconductor career at Rio Salado College by visiting the Semiconductor Manufacturing Programs webpage.