Semiconductor for All
The Semiconductor for All (S4A) Grant launched in July 2023. Initial funding from the Idaho Workforce Development Council was $5 million. Afterwards, Boise State University matched the amount for a total of $10 million.
The purpose of this grant is to grow an enduring semiconductor workforce in Idaho and the region by inviting and retaining a broad student pool. The grant will allow for the creation of pathways from elementary through high school and on to bachelor’s and doctoral degrees. Additionally, the grant will create opportunities for continuing education and professional development.
Goals
The U.S. government wants more semiconductor devices and microelectronics made in America. This is made possible by having a strong workforce.
Read about the CHIPS and Science act here.
Boise State University and Idaho Workforce Development Council launched the “Semiconductor for All” initiative to build education in semiconductors for K-12 and university students.
Initiatives
What the MER Institute will do with this grant is:
- Work with state partners to build a diverse student pipeline.
- Expand capacity and workforce retention for students and professionals in the industry.
- Mobilize educational outreach to motivate students to become the next-generation workforce.
- Collaborate with industry to create K-20 career discovery opportunities, both for in-person and online learning experiences.
- Create and provide robust curriculum in technology, engineering, business operations, supply chains, and more.
- Highlight the relevancy of semiconductors in daily life, job roles, and pathways for success in these courses and curricula.
Partners
Education Partnerships:
Idaho K-12 Schools
Idaho Community Colleges
Idaho Universities
Workforce Stakeholders:
Micron Technology
Idaho Workforce Development Council
Idaho Digital Learning Alliance
Idaho National Laboratory
Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research
Regional Industry
S4A Statistics
$10 mil
125
500+
408
Background and History
The Semiconductor for All Grant was initiated by Dr. Sin Ming Loo of Boise State University’s College of Engineering. Dr. Loo was the original Principal Investigator (PI) of the grant, and was joined by Boise State’s Peter Risse from the University President’s Office in developing the wide-reaching project.
The grant was awarded July 2023 with $5 million from Idaho’s Workforce Development Council, and another $5 million matched by Boise State University. At the creation of Boise State’s Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research, the PI role passed from Dr. Loo to the MER Institutes Executive Director, Dr. Dan Lamborn. This transfer allowed the grant to be implemented university-wide.
Participants and Contributors
-
Dan Lamborn, Ph.D.
MER Executive Director, Current PI
Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research -
Neal Bangerter, Ph.D.
Current Co-PI
College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department Chair -
Kurtis Cantley, Ph.D.
Current Co-PI
College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty -
Henry Charlier, Ph.D.
Co-PI
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Department Chair -
Camille Platts-McPharlin
Project Manager
Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research -
Hailey Lynch
Education and Outreach Specialist
Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research -
Eric Schneider
Encore Fellow, Curriculum Development
Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research -
Sin Ming Loo, Ph.D.
Original PI
College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty -
Peter Risse
Original Co-PI
Office of the President, Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Director for University Industry Collaborations