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.

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

How the National Nest Program is Reimagining Online Education

How the National Nest Program is Reimagining Online Education

by | Jun 11, 2025 | Innovation, Working Learners

How the National Nest Program is Reimagining Online Education

The big picture

National University is reimagining online education with physical “Nest” locations, designed as flexible co-learning spaces for nontraditional students.

Why it matters

Many online students face challenges at home, including:

• Lack of quiet space

• Internet connectivity issues

• Need for childcare

The Nest provides

  • Soundproof Zoom rooms
  • Veterans Center
  • Family Clubhouse
  • Innovation Studio
  • YMCA childcare partnership

What’s next

The program is expanding beyond Kearny Mesa to new locations in Escondido and Chula Vista.

The bottom line

While students value online learning flexibility, they also want optional physical spaces for learning and community connection.

Digital Evolution in Higher Education

Digital Evolution in Higher Education

by | Jun 4, 2025 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Underserved Communities

Digital Evolution in Higher Education

Why It Matters

Dr. Luke Dowden, with 20 years in online learning, shares key insights on AI, distance education, and scaling online programs in higher education.

The Big Picture

  • AI won’t necessarily lead to more distance learning, but will enhance online experiences once technology matures
  • Major challenge: maintaining rigorous standards and meaningful engagement at scale
  • Faculty bandwidth remains a critical concern – implementing new tech requires significant time investment

Key Insights

  • Student outcomes > shiny new tech: Institutions must prioritize learning impact over trending tools
  • Faculty must engage with AI now to help shape its future role in education
  • Focus shifting to using technology for improving student connectedness and mental health

What’s Next

Their new School for Online Learning will focus on serving majority female Hispanic learners, emphasizing best-in-class online education to improve access and outcomes.

The Bottom Line

Higher education can’t afford to be on the sidelines with emerging tech – institutions must actively participate in shaping how these tools will be implemented.