As Intel breaks ground on two advanced chipmaking facilities in central Ohio, the company announced that Youngstown State University is among 80 institutions included in a $17.7 million proposal to develop a skilled workforce for the effort.

Intel also announced the first phase of funding for its Ohio Semiconductor Education and Research Program. During the first phase, Intel is providing $17.7 million for eight proposals from leading institutions and collaborators in Ohio to develop semiconductor-focused education and workforce programs. 

One of those eight proposals will partner Youngstown State University with ten other institutions in Ohio to provide training programs in automation, robotics, microelectronics, semiconductor processing, and more to help students develop technology skills that support semiconductor fabrication and equipment operations.

Dr. Vamsi Borra from the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at YSU says the money will help the university develop curriculum and provide student credits. He says that, in turn, will feed into the supply chain for the semiconductor industry.

Headed by Lorain County Community College, the Ohio TechNet Northeast Ohio Semiconductor Workforce Consortium will also include the collaboration of Ashland University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University, Lakeland Community College, Ohio Dominican University, Stark State College, and the University of Toledo.

Intel’s more than $20 billion planned investment in Ohio for a new semiconductor manufacturing site to produce leading-edge chips is expected to generate 7,000 construction jobs and 3,000 long-term positions in manufacturing and engineering.

In addition to Lorain Community College, other institutions leading collaborative efforts include the University of Cincinnati, Central State University, Columbus State Community College, Kent State University, Ohio University, and two from The Ohio State University.

The eight leading institutions will receive $17.7 million in funding over three years as part of Intel’s $50 million commitment to Ohio higher education institutions over the next decade.

Semiconductors, considered to be the brains behind the technology that powers the digital age, are critical to the foundations of the U.S. economy, national security, and technology leadership.

Intel says investing to revitalize the U.S. chipmaking ecosystem will bring a broad range of economic benefits while helping to restore balance, dependability, and resilience to the global semiconductor supply chain.

 

 In addition to providing capacity for Intel’s next-generation products, the company expects these new factories to support growing demand for the company’s new foundry business, Intel Foundry Services.