NSF-funded national workforce infrastructure initiative announces first Regional Nodes and activates more than 300 organizations across the U.S. to accelerate microelectronics education for American workers

SEMI Foundation and NSF launch the first four Regional Nodes of the National Network for Microelectronics Education

The SEMI Foundation, serving as the Hub Operator for the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), recently announced the launch of the first four Regional Nodes of the NNME, marking a major national milestone in the effort to build America's microelectronics and semiconductor workforce at an unprecedented scale.

Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and aligned with the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022," the NNME is designed to serve as a national infrastructure for microelectronics talent development across the U.S.

"America's leadership in semiconductors depends on our ability to develop our talent," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. "The NNME represents an important investment in America's innovation capacity, talent readiness and long-term competitiveness. These Regional Nodes will strengthen regional ecosystems to prepare the next generation of America's semiconductor design and manufacturing workforce."

The activation of the first Regional Nodes marks the launch of a connected national ecosystem designed to align industry demand with education, training and career pathways to high-demand careers powering the future economy. Collectively, the four NNME Regional Nodes activate a national network of more than 325 organizations, including K-12 school districts, colleges and universities, workforce development organizations, economic development agencies, community-based organizations and semiconductor employers working together to build stronger pathways into microelectronics careers for all Americans.

Under the NNME structure, the SEMI Foundation and NSF expect to support the four Regional Nodes at up to $20 million per node over five years to accelerate scalable talent solutions aligned to industry demand and establish the gold standard for microelectronics education and workforce training across America.

For more information, visit the NNME website.

About NSF

NSF is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established by Congress in 1950, NSF promotes the progress of science, advances the nation's health, prosperity and welfare, and helps secure the national defense through investments in research, education and innovation. Visit the NSF online to learn more.

About the NNME

The NNME is a national workforce development initiative supported by NSF in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The NNME connects industry, education, workforce systems and regional partners through a national network designed to accelerate the development of America's microelectronics workforce ecosystem. Visit the NNME online to learn more.

About the SEMI Foundation

The SEMI Foundation advances economic opportunity for workers while supporting the sustained growth of the global microelectronics industry. As the workforce development arm of SEMI, the Foundation works across industry, education, workforce systems and community partners to build clear pathways into semiconductor and microelectronics careers while helping employers attract, develop, retain and advance a highly skilled workforce. Together with SEMI's network of more than 4,000 member companies, the SEMI Foundation helps strengthen the talent pipeline powering the future of technology. Visit the SEMI Foundation online to learn more and follow the SEMI Foundation on LinkedIn.