Equitable and Transformative Approaches to Educating the Semiconductor Workforce (ETA-ESW)
Funding Agency:
- National Science Foundation
Leading the world in discovery and innovation, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent development, and the delivery of benefits from research are the objectives of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The 2022-2026 Strategic Plan1 highlights the importance of U.S. global competitiveness and its critical dependence on the readiness of the Nation's STEM workforce. To achieve this goal, NSF invests in programs that directly advance this workforce. As part of this effort, this DCL announces a cooperative activity between NSF and the Micron Foundation to stimulate transformative approaches to: (a) improve and impact education and training of the advanced memory manufacturing, microelectronics, and semiconductor workforce of the future; and (b) expand equitable opportunities and access to experiential learning programs in cleanrooms and other teaching laboratories.
As part of this effort, this DCL announces new award opportunities for two programs: the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) program and the Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program that build on or leverage strong industry-academic partnerships to strengthen the semiconductor manufacturing workforce. Efforts are intended to advance and support the development of a skilled STEM workforce in advanced memory manufacturing and/or semiconductor manufacturing and design. This DCL will support efforts to: create new and broaden access to existing programs, experiential learning activities, courses, curricula, and/or certificates; adapt and implement evidence-based instructional and inclusive practices; develop and/or integrate industry standards into programs of study and courses; foster skilled educators; and investigate activities and factors associated with student performance. Therefore, this DCL also aims to encourage partnerships among companies; state, local, and tribal government offices; non-profits; schools; professional organizations; and/or institutions of higher education (including two-year and minority serving institutions (MSIs)).
Various
Please see the Dear Colleague Letter
- Karen Crosby, kcrosby@nsf.gov, IUSE: EDU Program Officer, ExLENT Program Co-Lead, EDU/DUE
- Mary Crowe, mcrowe@nsf.gov, ExLENT Program Co-Lead, TIP/ITE