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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.

adult and child using a learning circuit board

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

Amount awarded from Idaho Workforce Development and Boise State University

125

Idaho students enrolled in the first semester of IDLA Chip, Chip, Hooray!

500+

Boise State students impacted by S4A supported coursework

408

Number of K-12 students engaged in outreach

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

  • Headshot of Dan Lamborn

    Dan Lamborn, Ph.D.

    MER Executive Director, Current PI

    Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research
  • Neal Bangerter headshot

    Neal Bangerter, Ph.D.

    Current Co-PI

    College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department Chair
  • Headshot of Kurtis Cantley

    Kurtis Cantley, Ph.D.

    Current Co-PI

    College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty
  • Henry Charlier headshot

    Henry Charlier, Ph.D.

    Co-PI

    College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Department Chair
  • Headshot of Camille Platts-McPharlin

    Camille Platts-McPharlin

    Project Manager

    Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research
  • Headshot of Hailey Lynch

    Hailey Lynch

    Education and Outreach Specialist

    Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research
  • Place holder boise state B logo

    Eric Schneider

    Encore Fellow, Curriculum Development

    Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research
  • Headshot of Sin Ming Loo

    Sin Ming Loo, Ph.D.

    Original PI

    College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty
  • Peter Risse headshot

    Peter Risse

    Original Co-PI

    Office of the President, Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Director for University Industry Collaborations
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