March CHIPS Update

March CHIPS Update

by | Mar 4, 2025 | Innovation

The landscape of semiconductor manufacturing in the United States continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments that have far-reaching implications for workforce development and economic growth.

In a major development for U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is expected to announce a staggering $100 billion investment in the United States. This unprecedented commitment represents one of the largest foreign investments in U.S. manufacturing history and signals a transformative shift in the global semiconductor supply chain.

This investment builds upon TSMC’s existing projects in Arizona and potentially expands their footprint to additional states, creating a network of advanced manufacturing facilities across the country.

The scale of TSMC’s investment, combined with other CHIPS Act-driven expansions, creates an urgent need for a skilled workforce pipeline. Current projections indicate the semiconductor industry will need tens of thousands of new workers over the next decade, ranging from technicians to engineers to advanced researchers.

This workforce challenge presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for higher education institutions to develop targeted programs that align with industry needs.

Presidents Forum member institutions are at the forefront of addressing this workforce development challenge. Our collaborative approach to developing industry-aligned curricula and innovative training programs positions our network as a critical partner in the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

As TSMC and other semiconductor manufacturers expand their U.S. operations, the Presidents Forum will continue to:

  1. Facilitate knowledge sharing between member institutions and industry partners
  2. Advocate for policies that support workforce development in high-tech manufacturing
  3. Collaborate with the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence
  4. Measure and communicate the impact of our collective efforts

We welcome continued dialogue with member institutions about how we can collectively address this unprecedented opportunity to reshape American manufacturing and create pathways to prosperity for students across the country.

March Update

March Update

by | Mar 3, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability

March Update

Why it matters:

The Presidents Forum continues to advance innovation in higher education through policy engagement, new partnerships, and collaborative initiatives focused on student success.

The big picture:

New Department of Education appointments (James Bergeron and Nicholas Kent) create significant opportunities for the Forum to influence policy that impacts students.

What’s next:

The Forum is increasing its policy work and DC presence, with opportunities for members to amplify the collective voice for higher education transformation.

Annual DC Advocacy Meeting

Annual DC Advocacy Meeting

by | Feb 28, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability

The Presidents Forum is heading back to Washington, D.C. on March 24-25 for our annual advocacy meeting! Last year’s gathering was a tremendous success, bringing together the most forward-thinking educational leaders from across the country to advance higher education policy. Meetings included productive conversations with Under Secretary James Kvaal, the Department of Defense, Congress members, and the National Governors Association.

This year, we’re building on that momentum with high-impact meetings scheduled with congressional leadership, staffers, executive agencies, the National Conference of State Legislators, and the National Governors Association. Our presidents will be advocating for our key commitments:

  • Students First
  • Access for All
  • Accountable Innovation
  • Empowering Working Learners
  • Value-Driven Education
  • Parity Across Modalities
  • Accountability

The 2025 meeting offers invaluable peer-to-peer networking opportunities and a chance to share our innovative vision for the future of higher education with policymakers.

We can’t wait to see what our collective voice will accomplish in D.C.

Department of Education Guidance for Fighting Pell Fraud

Department of Education Guidance for Fighting Pell Fraud

by | Feb 27, 2025 | Policy

On February 24th, the Department of Education released detailed guidance on combating Pell fraud. Guidance and updates included:

  • Enhanced identity verification processes being implemented by Federal Student Aid
  • Critical reminder of institutional requirements for detecting and reporting fraud
  • The Department’s comprehensive fraud prevention strategy

As institutions continue to face sophisticated fraud schemes targeting Title IV aid, the Department emphasizes that schools must:

  • Report suspected fraud to their School Participation Division
  • File Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with FinCEN when appropriate
  • Implement robust monitoring procedures for distance education programs

The Presidents Forum remains committed to eliminating Pell fraud and is always looking for opportunities to increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability in higher education.

You can read the entire announcement at https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2025-02-24/update-identity-verification-and-reminder-institutional-requirements-reporting-fraud.

Driving Change Through Collaborative Projects

Driving Change Through Collaborative Projects

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability

Driving Change Through Collaborative Projects

Why it matters

The Presidents Forum drives major change projects in higher education, focusing on increasing access and improving education quality.

The big picture

Two significant initiatives showcase their impact:

  • NC-SARA: Established oversight for distance education across state lines
  • “Disagree Better”: Partnership with National Governors Association to address national discourse

Bottom line

The President’s Forum continues to demonstrate its commitment to driving meaningful change in higher education, with lasting impact for students across the nation.