Lorain County Community College is among eight colleges and universities receiving awards as part of the Intel Semiconductor Education and Research Program for Ohio.
The eight grant recipients were announced today as part of Intel’s groundbreaking ceremony for its leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing plant in New Albany.
Under this award, titled Ohio TechNet Northeast Ohio Semiconductor Workforce Consortium, LCCC will lead a collaboration of 10 Ohio TechNet colleges and universities across the region to develop curriculum, faculty training and experiential learning programs specifically in semiconductor processing and industrial automation manufacturing.
Project partners include Cuyahoga Community College, Stark State College, Lakeland Community College, Cleveland State University, Kent State University, Ashland University, Case Western Reserve University, The University of Toledo, Ohio Dominican University and Youngstown State University.
“This new facility represents one of Ohio’s greatest economic opportunities of our time,” said Lorain County Community College President Marcia Ballinger, Ph.D. “And it’s not just about one company coming to Ohio; it’s an entire industry that’s embedding itself in Ohio, creating the Silicon Heartland.
“This landmark investment will create a wave of economic opportunity across the state increasing the demand for a highly skilled workforce. We, along with our partners, are ready to fuel its creation.”
Through a decade’s worth of preparation, LCCC developed expertise in semiconductors, micro-electromechanical systems, and microelectronic manufacturing education and training housed within LCCC’s Richard Desich Smart Commercialization Center.
The project, which leverages the existing Ohio TechNet network of more than 45 community colleges, secondary technical centers and universities, will develop and expand curriculum, faculty development and experiential learning models.
Of note are LCCC’s microelectronics education and training programs including cleanroom training, an automation and robotics teacher education program, and expertise in innovative earn-and-learn education.
“Through collaborative efforts within higher education and a strong partnership with Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio TechNet has made Ohio a leader in solving the manufacturing workforce shortage,” Ballinger said. “When it comes to filling the semiconductor talent pipeline, so much groundwork has already been laid by those in this consortium and we’re all prepared to scale our efforts and maximize our collective impact.”
“Intel is excited to be in Ohio, the new Silicon Heartland and home to what will be one of our most sophisticated semiconductor manufacturing plants in the world,” said Jim Evers, Intel vice president and Ohio general manager. “Higher education plays a key role in the future success of our industry.
“We’re proud to support these institutions from every corner of the state as they work to build the workforce of tomorrow.”
Intel’s Semiconductor Education and Research Program for Ohio was announced in March as part of the company’s pledge to invest $100 million in education and research collaborations with universities, community colleges and technical educators in Ohio and across the U.S.
The program is designed to help build a pipeline of talent and bolster research programs.
Of its $100 million investment, Intel designated $50 million specifically to Ohio colleges and universities.
Eight proposals were selected from leading Ohio institutions.
Intel expects this first iteration of the program to produce nearly 9,000 graduates for the industry and provide more than 2,300 scholarships over three years helping diversify the talent pipeline.
