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Information for Parents

What Is High Tech U?

How Does This Program Work?

SEMI High Tech U (HTU) is a three and sometimes four day high tech career exploration program for high school students sponsored by the SEMI Foundation and hosted by industry sponsors and local colleges and universities.

  • There is no cost for your student to attend.
  • Support and funding for this program is provided by local companies that believe in the importance of educating students about the relevancy and importance of the science, math and technology that they are taking in secondary school
  • SEMI High Tech U helps to engage your student in education and career discussion and decisions.
  • Most activities are hands-on math and science based and taught by industry instructors. All supplies are provided.
  • Students who attend the program are expected to show a positive attitude, be a team player and demonstrate an interest and aptitude in high tech.
  • If HTU is held when school is in session, students must get approval from their school counselor or teacher to attend.
  • Food is provided each day. Students must let us know ahead of time if they have any dietary restrictions or requirements.
  • Students are expected to wear casual clothes that are appropriate in the work place. Closed toed shoes may be required for site tours. 
  • If your student is accepted, you and your student will be requested to attend Parent Night prior to the program. This is a one hour orientation session.
  • The information you and your student provide on the application is kept confidential and will be used for the program only.

Please contact the SEMI Foundation for more information at 408.943.7860, or contact: SEMIFoundation@semi.org

Teacher programs are also sponsored by industry and local educational organizations. In areas such as the Capital Region of New York State, the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) has encouraged teachers to attend HTU to support their professional development goals.

Teachers who participate in HTU programs are always surveyed. One hundred percent of participants say the program met or exceeded their expectations, and their average knowledge of microelectronics nearly doubled. They now understand the courses their students should take in high school to lead them to a science or engineering career. All participating teachers and counselors say they would recommend a career in the high tech industry to their students.

To find out more about a SEMI HTU Teacher Edition in your region, please check our High Tech U Calendar. If you would like to receive a sample agenda from a recent program, please send your request to semifoundation@semi.org. If you have questions, please contact the SEMI Foundation at 1-408-943-7860

Perspective for Parents About HTU

What Parents Are Saying

“We really had to do some prodding to convince Darin to apply to the HTU summer program. Darin didn't think it would be interesting and the program days were too long. Once at HTU, we heard no complaints. Every afternoon, Darin shared many "Ah ha" moments about interacting with other teens and having hands-on learning experiences with professionals from Eastman Kodak, Rochester Institute of Technology and Infotonics Technology Center. Darin could now see how his love for math, science and technology worked together as a career path. Darin enjoyed the program so much that he volunteered the following year (2009) as a Student Ambassador. Thank you HTU for your investment in our son. We are confident Darin's attendance at HTU assisted in his decision to major in IST at Penn State.”

— HTU Parents, Victor, New York

“We already can see our son’s attendance at High Tech U opening up his mind to new questions about his education after high school, and about his future. Such a wonderful thing for us to see in him.”

— HTU Parent, Campbell, California

“HTU took the saying "Don't Stop Believing" to a whole new level. As the recipient of the Shigeo Takayama Leadership Scholarship, our son Will reflects on his experience and inspirations of the staff to this day. Will is currently studying to be an engineer.”

— HTU Parent, Santa Clara, California