Ohio colleges get funds for semiconductor research, education

On Mar 17, 2022

People in attendance during a live televised announcement discussing how Intel will be investing $20 billion to build two computer chip factories in Jersey Township, in Licking County at the Midland Theatre in Newark on Jan. 21. Local and state politicians, as well as Intel personnel were in attendance for the historic announcement.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted joined other officials Thursday morning at Columbus State Community College to detail Intel’s plan to invest $100 million in local and national higher education programs.

Intel will invest $50 million directly in Ohio higher education institutions and an additional $50 million in national science education programs over the next decade, the latter of which will be matched by $50 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation. The investment will establish semiconductor manufacturing education and research collaborations with universities, community colleges and technical educators in Ohio and across the U.S.

As part of its $20 billion plan to build what could potentially become the biggest semiconductor operation on earth in Licking County’s Jersey Township, Intel also plans to invest in the means necessary to train its future workforce.

“At Intel, we strongly believe that investing in education is necessary to ensure we have the right talent to support our growth and help the U.S. regain leadership in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Christy Pambianchi, Intel executive vice president and chief people officer, in a statement. “Our goal is to bring these programs and opportunities to a variety of two-year and four-year colleges, universities and technical programs, because it is critical that we expand and diversify STEM education.”

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What will Intel’s education funding do in Ohio?

The factories, called fabs, will employ 3,000 workers at an average salary of $135,000 per year. On top of that, the project is expected to create 7,000 construction jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs.

But amid a national skills shortage in tech, Intel’s investment will help a number of Ohio colleges, universities and technical schools with the funding they need to train this highly skilled workforce.

Part of the funding will establish the Intel Semiconductor Education and Research Program for Ohio, a collaborative, multi-institution research and education program that will emphasize gaining real-world experience and innovating in semiconductor fabrication.

Intel will accept proposals from Ohio-based academic researchers, technical centers, faculty and educators to address curriculum development, faculty training, laboratory equipment upgrades, novel research to advance semiconductor fabrication and student opportunities including internships.

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What national education programs will Intel fund?

Between Intel and its partnership with the National Science Foundation, $100 million will be made available for national tech funding initiatives

NSF will begin soliciting proposals from researchers and educators to develop STEM curriculum at two-year colleges and four-year universities, and to fund new research to advance semiconductor design and manufacturing.

The partnership will provide at least $5 million in grants per year for 10 years to its recipients.

Some of Intel’s other education initiatives may give Ohioans an idea of what may come to Greater Columbus. This month, Intel announced a new semiconductor manufacturing program called Quick Start with Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona. Quick Start is an accelerated two-week program that prepares students for future careers as a semiconductor technician, with hands-on learning and instruction from Intel employees.