The big picture:

In an era where educational institutions chase innovation for innovation’s sake, UMGC differentiates itself by prioritizing tangible results for learners and partners.

By the numbers:

UMGC evaluates success through three key questions:

• Quality definition
• Innovation meaning
• Accountability measures

The bottom line:

UMGC’s approach to innovation is pragmatic and outcomes-driven, with a built-in feedback loop that allows for quick pivots when needed.

The National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) continues to make significant strides in implementing the CHIPS for America program, with two recent developments.

New Leadership at EUV Accelerator

Natcast has appointed Dr. Craig Child as Director of the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, an NSTC Facility. This appointment marks a crucial step in advancing America’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, particularly in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology.

NSTC Reaches Significant Milestone

The National Semiconductor Technology Center has surpassed 100 members, demonstrating the growing collaboration between industry, academia, and government in strengthening America’s semiconductor ecosystem. This expansion reflects the increasing momentum behind the CHIPS initiative.

Building on Recent Progress

This news builds upon recent developments in semiconductor workforce innovation, as highlighted in our recent coverage of Arizona’s initiatives. As discussed in our March 28th article, higher education institutions are playing a crucial role in developing the skilled workforce needed to support America’s semiconductor manufacturing renaissance.

The Presidents Forum will continue to monitor and report on developments in the CHIPS for America program, particularly as they relate to higher education’s role in workforce development and innovation.

The big picture

Rio Salado College and the University of Arizona are creating a unique ecosystem for semiconductor workforce development, partnering closely with industry to create agile, responsive training programs.

Key Takeaways

• Stronger Industry Partnerships
  • Monthly meetings with 15 semiconductor companies
  • Direct industry input shapes curriculum development
  • Real-time feedback loop with manufacturers
• Educational Innovation
  • Flexible, modular learning approach
  • Quick adaptation to industry changes
  • Focus on continuous education

The bottom line

The partnership between Arizona institutions and semiconductor manufacturers represents a new model for workforce development in rapidly evolving industries.

Why it matters:

Higher education leaders are embracing AI and emerging technologies to create more personalized, accessible, and cost-effective learning experiences.

The big picture

• Student demographics are driving rapid technological adoption, with institutions playing catch-up to meet their needs
• Small-scale piloting and iteration is key to successful implementation of new technologies
• AI literacy is becoming essential for faculty, staff, and students

Between the lines

• Faculty adoption increases when focused on student workforce preparedness
• Underlying data systems are crucial for effective personalization
• Universal design for learning is becoming more achievable through emerging technologies

The bottom line:

Leaders are optimistic about technology’s potential to make education more accessible, affordable, and effective while maintaining meaningful human connections.

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.