STEM

As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, successful workforce development initiatives are becoming increasingly essential. In Malaysia, around 60,000 new engineers are needed to support the country’s plans for industry growth. However, despite the rising need for new engineering talent, student interest for STEM in Malaysia is declining. Women in particular, are even less likely to consider careers in engineering fields than their male counterparts, and this holds true worldwide. One reason is due to gender biases that form around STEM in early childhood. The Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that boys are more likely to consider themselves “good” at STEM, and this stereotype is later reinforced by male dominance within STEM classes. To mitigate the talent shortage, and to encourage more young women to consider STEM careers, STMicroelectronics created its "STEM your way" initiative. This program supports STEM education throughout Malaysia, as well as all other countries that STMicroelectronics operates in. Through STEM your way, STMicroelectronics shares its passion for science and electronics with today’s primary and high school students. Over the last three years, STEM your way has reached nearly 70,000 students globally. To address the STEM gender disparity in Malaysia, SEMI Southeast Asia (SEA) has been proudly collaborating with STMicroelectronics since 2023 on its ST Maur GEMS program, as part of STEM your way. The girls in engineering, mathematics, and science (GEMS) program is foundational for developing future engineering talent and sparking STEM interest among female students. One of SEMI SEA’s first GEMS program initiatives was a “train-the-trainers” session, where SEMI SEA representatives shared creative approaches for teaching STEM-focused course material. This involved the use of Circuit Scribe and Micro:bit Smart Science IoT kits to make lessons tactile, engaging, and memorable. These interactive teaching aids form the basis of a “STEM kit,” and as of today, SEMI SEA and STMicroelectronics have sponsored roughly 200 kits. These efforts culminated in December 2024 during the GEMS IoT Challenge at Universiti Technikal Malaysia Melaka, where 68 students from 17 primary schools showcased their innovative projects. Students demonstrated their technical knowledge and creativity by coupling Micro:bit IoT kits with AI cameras, Wi-Fi modules, servomotors, and more, with the intention of solving day-to-day problems. Posters of students’ solutions at the IoT ChallengeWith the collaborative success of the ST Maur GEMS program, SEMI SEA is excited to help scale the challenge to include additional countries. To partner with SEMI SEA to bring STEM education opportunities to Southeast Asia, please contact Cecelia Fong at [email protected]. SEMI Southeast Asia ContactCecelia Fong, Technology Programs ManagerEmail: [email protected]

As the demand for more powerful and efficient chips continues to grow, and the pace of semiconductor manufacturing in Arizona rapidly expands, so does the need for a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting these challenges. The SEMI Foundation’s SEMI Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) Arizona Team is committed to building a robust workforce pipeline through strategic partnerships and initiatives that connect industry to education. These initiatives include fostering science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enthusiasm in K-12 (kindergarten through high school) classrooms to creating earn-and-learn opportunities through apprenticeships and collaborations with leading semiconductor companies. The Foundation’s Arizona team has coordinated key events and initiatives in the state that showcase a holistic approach to addressing workforce challenges, many of which could be expanded and replicated throughout the US and even globally.Arizona SciTech STEM and Innovation Summit: Fostering STEM Enthusiasm The Arizona SciTech STEM and Innovation Summit has long been a hub of innovation, offering students, educators, and the community an immersive experience in STEM. This year’s summit was no exception. Showcasing hands-on activities, workshops, and demonstrations, the event connected STEM industries with Arizona's next generation of talent.The SEMI Foundation Arizona team led activities and sessions demonstrating the Foundation’s work with educators and workforce experts to explore how semiconductor curricula can be integrated into classrooms. Through engaging workshops featuring SEMI Foundation High Tech U Micro:bit STEM kits and Baltu Technologies, and a panel discussion with educators talking about the importance of industry in the classroom, participants explored exciting careers and how to introduce industry opportunities to students. These interactions emphasized the real-world applications of classroom learning, showing the path to careers in high-tech industries.Teachers students participate in a hands-on Micro:bit STEM Kits workshop during AZ SciTech STEM and Innovation Summit held on October 22, 2024. Panelists discuss the future of the semiconductor industry incorporated into students’ education. From left to right: Dee Pinkston (Chicanos por la Causa), Raquel Diaz (Trevor G. Browne High school), Rachna Mathur (ASU prep, ASU, STEMology), Kenneth Mims (Science Prep Academy Neurodiversity Education Research Center). Apprenticeship 101: A Guide to Workforce ReadinessIn a landscape where technical skills are increasingly critical, the Apprenticeship 101 workshop provided a crucial introduction to the benefits of how earn-and-learn programs are transforming careers in semiconductors and beyond. Hosted by: Arizona Commerce AuthorityArizona@Work SEMI Foundation Federal/State Apprenticeship Developer Scott EllsworthSEMI Foundation SCAN Arizona team The City of Phoenix This event gave attendees an overview of apprenticeship opportunities in fields like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.Participants learned how these programs build bridges between education and employment, offering both practical experience and a clear path to career advancement. A notable highlight was the emphasis on underrepresented groups, showcasing how apprenticeships can empower individuals to succeed in high-demand fields.Panelists highlighting pathways to careers in semiconductors with a focus on earn-and-learn opportunities. From left to right: Nick Irigoyen (SEMI Foundation), Michael Rosas (Arizona Commerce Authority), Scott Ellsworth (SEMI Foundation), Joan Bueno (Arizona Apprenticeship Office), James A. Montoya (ARIZONA@WORK), Stephanie Varela (City of Phoenix) Apprenticeship 101 Panelists. From Left to Right: Nick Irigoyen (SEMI Foundation), Scott Ellsworth (SEMI Foundation), Joan Bueno (Arizona Apprenticeship Office), Stephanie Varela (City of Phoenix), Perla DeBaggis (SEMI Foundation), James A. Montoya (ARIZONA@WORK) Intel Apprenticeship Program Support: A Step Toward Workforce Expansion Intel’s apprenticeship announcement signaled a transformative step for Arizona’s tech industry. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, Intel’s initiative aims to recruit participants from all backgrounds, ensuring a broad and equitable talent pool. Their current cohort of apprenticeships started with 9 women from the Fresh Start Foundation. The team worked with Arizona@Work representative Stephanie Varela to provide the apprentices with an overview session of the workforce innovation and opportunity act resources available to them. These kinds of resources provide alignment and improvement of employment, training, and education programs to promote individual growth. By investing in the workforce of tomorrow, Intel underscored its commitment to Arizona’s economic growth and technological leadership.Intel apprentices Gabriella Medina and Laura Jabalera are paving the way for women in the industry. Learn more about their inspiring journey here. TSMC Apprenticeship Announcement: Driving Innovation and InclusionSimilarly, TSMC’s apprenticeship program launched on November 19, 2024, bringing excitement and opportunity to the state. The program offers specialized training for individuals seeking careers in semiconductor manufacturing, a vital industry for Arizona’s economy.TSMC’s announcement emphasized collaboration with educational institutions, including community colleges and universities, to ensure apprentices receive both technical training and academic support. TSMC Arizona is investing more than $5 million in this program representing on-the-job training hours and education tuition support for its apprentice employees.The SEMI Foundation SCAN Arizona team joins TSMC apprentices on November 19, 2024 to celebrate the launch of TSMC's groundbreaking apprenticeship programs. Trevor G. Browne High School AET Assembly: Inspiring Young InnovatorsAt Trevor G. Browne High School, the Advanced Engineering and Technology (AET) Assembly served as a rallying point for students interested in high-tech careers. The SEMI Foundation Arizona Team joined their assembly to celebrate the potential of Arizona’s youth, sharing stories of innovation and success in the semiconductor sector.Students gained valuable insights into the industry’s evolving landscape, learning about the impact semiconductors have in cutting-edge technologies and career pathways in engineering and manufacturing. The assembly highlighted the importance of programs like SCAN-AZ and other local initiatives happening in 2025, which aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities.Micro:bit Competition: Sparking Innovation in Arizona's ClassroomsThe launch of SEMI Foundation - Arizona’s first Micro:bit Competition is bringing creativity and technology together in K-12 classrooms statewide! Designed to inspire innovation, this competition challenges students to use Micro:bit to develop projects that showcase their technical skills and imagination.From robotics to sustainability solutions, students are exploring real-world applications of STEM through hands-on projects. With categories like Innovation in Education and Creative Arts, the competition encourages participants to think outside the box. This initiative not only highlights the SEMI Foundation’s commitment to STEM education but also fosters the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. The Micro:bit Competition is more than just a contest—it’s a stepping stone for students to explore their potential in high-tech industries.Stay tuned as we celebrate the incredible projects and the bright young minds behind them!ASU Preparatory South Elementary, Grades 3-6 Teacher Michael Grant (Left) receiving his Micro:bit STEM kits for his participating classroom from Perla DeBaggis SEMI Foundation (Right)The SEMI Foundation’s efforts in Arizona exemplify the power of strategic partnerships and innovative programs to build a stronger, more diverse pipeline for the semiconductor workforce. By engaging educators, students, and industry leaders, we are creating pathways that connect education to employment, fostering a future-ready workforce. These initiatives serve as a blueprint for workforce development that can be adapted and scaled nationwide, empowering communities to thrive in the evolving high-tech economy. The SEMI Foundation is thrilled to continue this momentum and expand our impact even further in 2025! Co-Author Perla DeBaggis is the Senior Specialist for Career and Industry Awareness at the SEMI Foundation, focusing on bridging the gap between education and industry. Co-Author Nick Irigoyen is the Project Manager for Project Manager, Workforce Development Apprenticeships at the SEMI Foundation, focusing on initiatives aimed at strengthening the semiconductor talent pipeline in Arizona.

SEMI High Tech U is making waves around the world, introducing students and educators to the fascinating world of microelectronics through hands-on, experiential STEM learning kits. The SEMI Foundation started the program in the U.S., aiming to spark interest in semiconductors and technology, and High Tech U has expanded across borders to reach students in Europe and Southeast Asia. Recently, young learners in Germany and Malaysia participated in the SEMI program, diving into circuits, coding, and connecting their learning to the ever-evolving semiconductor industry.One of the core goals of High Tech U is to empower educators and students with tools that make microelectronics accessible and engaging. Since 2022, thanks to support from sponsors like KLA, Nordson, Western Digital, STMicroelectronics, Applied Materials, Broadcom, Infineon, and Qorvo, the program has reached over 5,500 students across multiple states and countries.MichiganStudents in Ypsilanti creating circuits with various materials.In the summer of 2024, SEMI Foundation partnered with Toyota and Washtenaw Community College to provide a free three-day summer program at Parkridge Community Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Dozens of Ypsilanti middle school and elementary school students engaged in active, hands-on learning about circuits using everyday materials such as playdough, copper tape, and batteries. The students built basic circuits on paper, created light-up greeting cards, and sculpted figures illuminated with tiny LED bulbs. This learning opportunity taught students and their counselors how circuits and semiconductors are an integral part of everyday life.MalaysiaStudents, staff, and teachers from ST Muar GEMS program.In 2023, STMicroelectronics Muar sponsored High Tech U kits for local schools as part of their Girls in Engineering, Mathematics Science (GEMS) STEM Lab program. SEMI Foundation staff collaborated with the GEMS program and provided a live international train-the-trainer session where teachers familiarized themselves with the High Tech U kits and accompanying curriculum. This session ensured that STMicroelectronics partners from the Muar Primary School were prepared to implement the program and make the connections between student learning and the work of the microelectronics industry.The STMicroelectronics Muar GEMS program has since educated many students in the local area on circuits, coding, and the basics of semiconductors. This partnership continues to blossom as STMicroelectronics aims to expand the implementation of the successful GEMS program. Moving forward in 2024 and beyond, GEMS students will apply their newfound skills in a friendly competition to solve real-world problems, showcasing how knowledge of circuits and coding can make a difference in creating a better world.GermanyStudents from SEMI Europe’s inaugural High Tech U program in Berlin.The SEMI Europe team has also recently launched their first High Tech U program in partnership with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation. Through a series of hands-on STEM activities, SEMI introduced a 4th-grade class in Germany to the fascinating world of microelectronics. Students were able to explore the fundamentals of coding and electronics through building a codable guitar using cardboard, aluminum foil, and electrical clips.The program continues to grow in Europe, providing students opportunities for interactive projects like crafting dice, programming melodies, and building smart sensors. The students’ enthusiasm and curiosity has shown the possibilities of engaging young minds in the world of microelectronics.Expanding Opportunities for Industry InvolvementSEMI invites you to take part in attracting, developing, and retaining the microelectronics talent of the future. Join us in this critical work while strengthening your company’s impact on your local communities. Learn more about High Tech U and opportunities for companies to get involved around the globe by contacting Bia Hamed at [email protected]. Berton Mahardja is the Director of Global Education Initiatives at SEMI Foundation. Prior to joining SEMI, Berton served in various roles across K-12 education. He is passionate about programs that support equitable industry access for students and adults.

SEMI launched the Women in Semiconductors (WiS) program in 2018 to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and since then has spared no effort to help women – from students to professionals at all organization levels – thrive in the industry.

The SEMI Foundation redesigned High Tech U to help meet the growing workforce demands of the microelectronics industry. The aim: Reach and inspire thousands of current K-12 students to pursue STEM educations and careers.

The popular WFD Pavilion at SEMICON West will feature programming geared towards students and job seekers as well as industry professionals.

The SEMI Foundation’s new flash mentoring program will scale SEMI Mentoring’s reach and drive authentic, organic connections between college students and professionals at SEMI member companies.

Avellán Jaramillo identifies as Latina (she, her, ella). She interned at Applied Materials during the summer of 2022 and presented during SEMICON West 2022, is a Ph.D. candidate in Materials Science & Engineering at University of California, Berkeley. Read her journey in technology.

SEMI Korea’s efforts to recruit talent and increase diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) to help meet the semiconductor industry’s current and future workforce needs are growing in importance as the industry presses ahead to recruit skilled workers.

ISS Europe 2022 featured a new program and event format with industry insights and strategic topics condensed into one day of programming on 3 critical challenges facing the microelectronics industry: the energy crisis and sustainability, supply chain disruptions, and the talent pipeline shortage.