Ohio University advances semiconductor workforce training through equipment donated by Intel

Ohio University has strengthened its efforts to prepare students for careers in Ohio’s growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors with the addition of new equipment through its Appalachian Semiconductor Education and Technical (ASCENT) Ecosystem.

The equipment, donated by Intel Corporation, will support hands-on learning and technical training for students across the region. ASCENT is funded by a $3.85 million grant through the Intel Semiconductor Education and Research Program (SERP) and is focused on developing the next generation of skilled technical professionals for Ohio’s emerging semiconductor industry.

“We are very excited by these gifts,” noted Dr. Eric Stinaff, chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department in the College of Arts and Sciences. “By donating these items, Intel is helping to enhance our laboratories, train students, and enable us to do advanced research in areas relevant to the semiconductor industry.”

The donation was composed of two gifts of more than 80 items and has an estimated value of more than $135,000.

• The first donation included a variety of equipment for labs in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, with some vacuum equipment going to the Fairfield County Workforce Center for its new Vacuum Technology course. The program’s goal is to give students an opportunity to get hands-on experience with equipment directly used in semiconductor fabrication facilities.
• The second donation, comprised of RF electronics and electronic test and measurement equipment, was distributed between Physics and the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology to support research and graduate education related to semiconductor (chip) manufacturing, research, and workforce development. The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Physics and Astronomy graduate programs at OHIO have strong records preparing students for careers in the semiconductor industry,

“We’re proud to support the OHIO Program and help expand opportunities for students and researchers,” said Jim Evers, Vice President Intel Foundry and General Manager, Ohio Site Operations and Frontend Facilities Engineering and Operations. “By donating this equipment, Intel is investing in hands-on learning, workforce development, and the next generation of semiconductor innovators. We’re excited to see these tools take on new life in academic labs and job training programs.”

In addition to equipment donations, Intel has partnered with Ohio University, JobsOhio, and others in the region on workforce development activities and chip related research. All of which is benefitting central and southeastern Ohio.