Chandler Schools, UArizona have semiconductor ed agreement

The Chandler Unified School District Governing Board recently approved an agreement with the University of Arizona to establish the high school career and technical education program in semiconductor manufacturing.

The development of the two-year semiconductor curriculum will be in partnership with the East Valley Institute of Technology. CUSD is a career and technical education satellite location of EVIT.

The initiative, slated for launch in the 2024-25 school year, is a collaborative effort aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the East Valley and throughout the state.

Semiconductors, vital components powering various technological innovations, have emerged as a focal point of Arizona’s economic growth.

By bringing together universities, community colleges, and industry partners, including Arm, Cactus Materials, Cirrus Logic, Edwards Vacuum, Intel, Lawrence Semiconductor, NXP, Microchip Technology, and Teradyne, CUSD aims to create a comprehensive curriculum tailored to meet the evolving needs of the semiconductor sector.

Dr. Liesl Folks, Vice President for Semiconductor Strategy at the University of Arizona, said, in a news release, that the demand for highly skilled employees in the semiconductor sector is growing strongly in Arizona and across the nation, following the federal CHIPS Act investments that incentivize growth in onshore manufacturing.

“We need to move quickly to ensure that students can take full advantage of the wide array of career opportunities in the semiconductor sector,” Folks said. “The CTE will offer pathways to direct employment after high school as well as pathways to a range of college degrees that are of high interest for this sector.”

The two-year CTE program is expected to be housed at Hamilton High School in Chandler. The program equips students with hands-on training and practical skills essential for success in semiconductor manufacturing and has potential to expand.

CUSD entered into the agreement with the intent of providing students with pathways to success in high-demand, high-wage careers.

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