January CHIPS Update

January CHIPS Update

by | Jan 16, 2025 | Innovation, Policy

Cameron Mortenson, Policy Director

The Department of Commerce officially finalized its agreement with Natcast to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). Over the next 10 years, NSTC will execute on its strategic plan to:

  1. Extend U.S. technology leadership
  2. Reduce the time and cost to prototype
  3. Build and sustain a semiconductor workforce ecosystem

Through another announcement this week, the Department of Commerce announced $1.4 billion in funding to establish U.S. leadership in semiconductor advanced packaging and manufacturing. The funding announcement includes $1.1 Billion to the Natcast operated NSTC Prototyping and NAPMP Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility in Tempe, Arizona. The announcement also includes $300 Million for advanced substrates and research to the following organizations:

  • Absolics Inc – $100 Million to help build a glass-core packaging ecosystem.
  • Applied Materials Inc – $100 Million to develop and scale a disruptive silicon-core substrate technology for next-generation advanced packaging and 3D heterogeneous integration.
  • Arizona State University – $100 Million to support the development of the next generation of microelectronics packaging through fan-out-wafer-level-processing (FOWLP)

The Presidents Forum has been actively monitoring and engaging with CHIPS Act developments since its inception. Through regular updates and discussions, the Forum continues to track these transformative investments in American semiconductor capabilities, recognizing their critical importance to U.S. technological leadership and economic competitiveness.

Excelsior’s Constellation strategy for developing transformative partnerships with other institutions

Excelsior’s Constellation strategy for developing transformative partnerships with other institutions

by | Jan 10, 2025 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Excelsior’s Constellation strategy for developing transformative partnerships with other institutions

Big Picture

Excelsior is pioneering a constellation model of higher education partnerships to create seamless student experiences across multiple institutions.

Why it matters

Traditional partnerships and mergers in higher education are often rigid and bureaucratic. This new model aims to be more flexible and student-centric.

Key features of the constellation model:

  • Students can move between partner institutions for specific experiences
  • Includes short-term, intensive in-person programs
  • Seamless credit transfer between institutions
  • Integration with employer needs and workforce development

The bottom line:

Excelsior’s constellation model could revolutionize how institutions collaborate, offering students the flexibility to combine online learning with targeted in-person experiences.

Miami Dade College: Making Higher Education More Affordable

Miami Dade College: Making Higher Education More Affordable

by | Dec 19, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Miami Dade College: Making Higher Education More Affordable

The big picture

Miami Dade College has achieved a remarkable 98% debt-free graduation rate.

 

Why it matters

In an era where student debt is crippling millions, MDC’s model demonstrates how institutions can deliver affordable education without compromising quality.

 

By the numbers:

  • 70% of students come from low-income homes
  • Only 1,800 out of 125,000 students took loans last year
  • No tuition increase in 12 years

Key strategies:

  • Focus on institutional efficiency over tuition hikes
  • Early financial literacy education and FAFSA support
  • Strategic deployment of scholarships and aid
  • Leveraging state programs like Bright Futures

Higher Ed Affordability Roundtable

Higher Ed Affordability Roundtable

by | Dec 18, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Higher Ed Affordability Roundtable

The big picture

College leaders Sue Ellspermann (Ivy Tech) and Justin Lonon (Dallas College) discuss how their institutions are tackling affordability by eliminating textbook costs and putting students first.

Why it matters

Their initiatives have saved students millions while improving academic outcomes and retention rates.

Key takeaways:

  • Both institutions eliminated profits from textbook sales
  • Early access to materials improved student success rates
  • Low-income and underrepresented students saw the biggest gains • Technology and AI will continue driving costs down

AI in Teacher Education

AI in Teacher Education

by | Dec 17, 2024 | Innovation, Policy, Video

AI in Teacher Education

The big picture

Education schools are grappling with AI integration, with concerns about plagiarism dominating the conversation and faculty confidence remaining low.

 

Key findings

  • Plagiarism focus: Current AI discussions in education heavily center on detection and prevention, despite unreliable detection tools
  • Faculty concerns: Include data privacy, job security, and unclear usage guidelines
  • Leadership outlook: Program leaders show balanced optimism about AI’s potential while acknowledging risks

 

What’s next

  • Internal changes: Universities need to incentivize faculty engagement and provide AI training
  • External support: State policymakers could revise teaching certification standards to include AI literacy
  • Collaboration: Education schools should partner with AI experts and peer institutions to avoid reinventing the wheel

Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control

Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control

by | Dec 13, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control

The Big Picture

In a candid discussion about higher education’s future, Excelsior University President David Schejbal emphasizes the enduring value of college degrees while highlighting innovative approaches to accessibility and affordability.

Why it matters

As debates around educational credentials intensify, traditional degrees continue to demonstrate strong ROI through higher lifetime earnings and broader societal benefits.

By the numbers:

  • College graduates earn significantly more over their lifetime
  • Higher employment rates among degree holders
  • Better health outcomes and civic engagement
  • Generous credit transfer policies and clear learning pathways prevent wasted credits
  • Excelsior hasn’t raised tuition in 7 years

The bottom line

While alternative credentials gain traction, traditional degrees remain valuable investments, especially when institutions prioritize affordability and accessibility.