U.S. Semiconductor Ecosystem Updates

U.S. Semiconductor Ecosystem Updates

by | Jun 23, 2025 | Innovation

The Presidents Forum remains committed to creating a robust semiconductor manufacturing workforce ecosystem within the United States. We’re excited to share these important CHIPS Act opportunities:

WEBINAR: Unlocking Opportunities – NSTC Workforce Awards & Top Workforce Solutions Programs

  • Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET
  • Registration Deadline: Thursday, July 3, at 5:00 p.m. ET
  • Learn about funding and recognition opportunities through the National Semiconductor Technology Center
  • Register here: NSTC Workforce Awards Webinar Registration

Natcast Launches 2025 NSTC Workforce Awards Program

  • 10-20 awards ranging from $500,000 to $2 million
  • Supports training and educational programs for semiconductor jobs
  • Submission Intent Form deadline: August 11, 2025
  • Full details: 2025 NSTC Workforce Awards Call for Proposals

R&D Update: Natcast Finalizes First NSTC R&D Contracts

  • $30 million investment in AI-driven RFIC design innovation
  • Projects led by Keysight Technologies, Princeton University, and UT Austin
  • Enhancing U.S. global competitiveness in next-gen communications
  • Learn more: NSTC R&D Contracts Announcement

Together, we can help secure U.S. leadership in this critical sector.

AI’s Transformative Role in Education

AI’s Transformative Role in Education

by | Jun 19, 2025 | Innovation, Video

AI’s Transformative Role in Education

Why it matters:

While the internet democratized access to education, AI can potentially ensure every learner succeeds by adapting to individual needs and abilities.

Key insights:

  • WGU was designed to be “student-centered, tech-first” from its inception during the early internet era
  • Pulsipher warns against simply using AI to make existing educational models more efficient
  • Instead, he advocates rethinking education entirely: “What are the capabilities of the new technology that would say, living in that unconstrained world, what would you do?”

The bottom line:

Just as the internet expanded access to education, AI has the potential to personalize learning itself—unlocking the full potential of every individual in ways we’ve never been able to before.

Breaking the Time Barrier

Breaking the Time Barrier

by | Jun 19, 2025 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Breaking the Time Barrier

Why it matters:

Traditional higher education is constrained by fixed time periods that don’t match how people actually learn.

The big picture:

As college costs rise and student debt mounts, education leaders are reimagining a system where:

  • Learning is validated by demonstrating skills, not seat time
  • Technology enables personalized, flexible pathways
  • Access expands to working adults and underserved populations

Bottom line:

This transformation challenges long-held assumptions about higher education while creating more accessible, effective, and equitable learning opportunities.

NCHER Annual Conference: Highlights and Insights

NCHER Annual Conference: Highlights and Insights

by | Jun 13, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability

NCHER Annual Conference: Highlights and Insights

Why it matters:

NCHER’s Annual Conference in Nashville brought together key players in education finance to address critical challenges and opportunities in the sector.

Key themes:

  • Legislative updates and regulatory changes
  • Student loan repayment strategies
  • Workforce development initiatives
  • Private loan program evolution

The bottom line:

The conference reinforced NCHER’s role in facilitating collaboration and innovation within the higher education finance community, with a clear focus on developing comprehensive financial solutions for students.

UMGC: Bridging Education and Employment

UMGC: Bridging Education and Employment

by | Jun 12, 2025 | Innovation, Working Learners

UMGC: Bridging Education and Employment

The big picture

Workforce development has become central to UMGC’s mission, focusing on bridging the gap between education and employment.

Key insights

  • Students need to both learn and effectively communicate their skills to employers
  • Employers want graduates whose skills align with real workplace needs
  • Critical thinking and communication skills remain challenging to measure

What’s next

UMGC is prioritizing:

  • Experiential over theoretical coursework
  • Anticipating evolving workforce needs
  • Staying ahead of technological changes
  • Building confidence in both students and employers