Edition No. 12
SEMI Foundation’s High Tech U
The SEMI Foundation was formed to support education and awareness of the field of high technology. Despite the best efforts of educators in public and private schools, the United States elementary and high school educational system continues to struggle to produce students who desire, and are prepared to pursue, a career in high technology. While some students graduate from school lacking the necessary math and science skills because they live in areas that are often socially and economically disadvantaged, this accounts for only part of the problem. Often, students and their parents are simply unaware of career opportunities in the high technology field. Without knowledge of the practical applications of math and science, students are not motivated to study or excel in these subjects. The SEMI Foundation addresses these problems from an industry education perspective.
Vision
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Through the Foundation’s workforce development program called High Tech U for high school students, High Tech U Teacher Edition and educational scholarships, the Foundation encourages students to stay in school; take math, science and technology courses; and see that they can have a bright future in the microelectronics industry. The Foundation has embarked on implementation of a strategic plan that is spreading this vision regionally within the United States, and in the near future, to Europe and Asia.
Technology is the main focus, but other valuable skills are addressed, too. On the last day, the program switches to practical challenges students will face when they enter the workforce. Resume writing and interviewing — two skills that are often ignored by schools — are included. Throughout the program, students are expected to show up on time, to ask good questions, and to interface constructively with their peers. At the end of each program, the student who has best exhibited these teamwork skills is awarded a scholarship of $1000, based on the votes of the other students.
Another interesting aspect of High Tech U is that B and C students are the prime targets for recruitment. Special effort is made to seek out female and minority students.
History of Accomplishments
Since the first High Tech U in March 2001, the program has been continuously improved, and its geographic reach expanded. To date a total of 26 programs in eight states have been delivered (six for teachers, two for middle school students and 18 for high school students), reaching an immediate audience of 300 middle school and 700 high school students. In addition, it is estimated that the 156 teachers who attended programs have reached another 14,040 students, providing them with information about the semiconductor industry.
It is the goal of High Tech U to reach over 33,000 students with its key messages by December 2007 and to develop an infrastructure to reach more than 10,000 students per year on a continuous basis.
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