The now formed Nanoelectronic Workforce Development Initiative (NWDI) brings together, Austin Community College (ACC), SEMATECH, ATDF, and Texas State Technical College-Waco (TSTC) in a program that initially will train 160 two-year technical, undergraduate, and graduate students in nanoelectronics.

"This program is a cornerstone in the State's new Nanoelectronics Initiative, for which SEMATECH is the leading partner," explained Randy Goodall, director of SEMATECH External Programs. "This workforce program will include development of new nanoelectronics curriculum materials and a statewide outreach to highlight the educational need and importance of our industry to the emerging technology economy."
      
"The most exciting aspect of the program is a unique internship opportunity that will provide students field experience in nanofabrication infrastructure and R&D operations through hands-on work in the ATDF," Goodall said. "The result of this program will be a ‘gold standard' for preparing future generations for a career in nanoelectronics."

Under the program, SEMATECH and ACC, in partnership with TSTC-Waco and The University of Texas at Austin, will identify promising students and host them as interns in hands-on roles at ATDF, SEMATECH's advanced technology R&D center.

The initiative's first students are expected to arrive at ATDF on May 30 to begin their internships.  The program also will reach out to 2,500 staff and faculty members from Texas educational institutions, as well as statewide business leaders, through onsite seminars and workshops in nanoelectronics.