In a brightly lit room at a local Arizona science center, a group of middle school students huddle around a small workstation, carefully donning miniature cleanroom suits. Their eyes widen as they peer through microscopes, manipulating tiny silicon wafers, marveling at the technology that powers the devices they use every day. This is SEMIquest in action — a traveling STEM experience created by the SEMI Foundation, the nonprofit arm of SEMI, the global association representing the semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystem.
Founded more than two decades ago, the SEMI Foundation began as a small initiative focused on education, but it quickly evolved in response to an urgent industry need. “Workforce development is the single most important factor in sustaining America’s leadership in semiconductors,” says Shari Liss, vice president of global workforce development at the SEMI Foundation. “Our job is to make sure talent pipelines are strong, agile and ready for the future.”
The Foundation’s mission is simple yet ambitious: to build pathways to opportunity in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry by inspiring, preparing and connecting the next generation of talent. Its vision is a future where all Americans, regardless of background, have access to the education, training and support needed to thrive in high-tech careers.
This focus on workforce development didn’t come by chance. The semiconductor industry underpins everything from smartphones to clean energy and advanced medical devices, yet the U.S. faces a critical talent shortage. The CHIPS and Science Act and a surge in domestic manufacturing investment have created an urgent demand for tens of thousands of skilled workers in the next decade. Recognizing that the challenge wasn’t just about numbers but also about awareness and access, the SEMI Foundation designed programs to close the gap.
Programs like High Tech U give high school students direct exposure to microelectronics careers through mentorship and hands-on experience. VetWorks helps service members transition into civilian roles in the industry, translating their technical skills into in-demand positions. And the National Network for Microelectronics Education is building a nationwide ecosystem to strengthen curriculum and expand training opportunities. “Our work isn’t about short-term fixes; it’s about creating sustainable systems so that companies can find the talent they need and people can find careers they love,” says Michelle Williams-Vaden, executive director of the SEMI Foundation.
SEMIquest, launching this October, exemplifies the Foundation’s commitment to inspiration and awareness. By bringing interactive, immersive experiences to schools and science centers, including locations in Arizona, SEMIquest sparks curiosity among K–12 students and their families. Richard Walker, senior program manager for industry awareness, notes, “When students experience our hands-on programs, you can see their perspective shift. They realize these careers are not just possible, they’re within reach.”
The Foundation’s community engagement extends far beyond individual programs. It thrives on partnerships, bringing together schools, science centers, workforce boards, state governments and employers to create locally relevant programs connected to national opportunities. Career awareness workshops, apprenticeship pipelines with community colleges and scholarship programs for underrepresented groups and veterans are all part of a coordinated effort to ensure that talent flows into the industry from all corners of the country.
The impact of these initiatives is already visible. Students who once had little understanding of semiconductor careers are now considering technical degrees and certifications. Veterans transitioning out of service are finding meaningful, high-paying careers in microelectronics. Employers, in turn, gain access to a skilled, diverse workforce prepared to tackle the challenges of advanced manufacturing and innovation.
The SEMI Foundation also maintains a strong presence at industry events like SEMICON West, one of the largest global gatherings of semiconductor professionals. These events serve as both a showcase for the latest technological advancements and a platform for promoting workforce initiatives. By connecting industry leaders, educators and students under one roof, the Foundation ensures its mission reaches beyond the classroom and into the broader ecosystem of semiconductor innovation.
For the SEMI Foundation, workforce development and community engagement are inseparable from the health and growth of the industry itself. Through programs that inspire, prepare and connect, the Foundation is not just addressing a skills gap, it is shaping the future of microelectronics, supporting economic competitiveness and opening doors for communities across the nation.
In the cleanroom suits, under the watchful guidance of mentors and volunteers, the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators is taking its first steps. With each student who discovers a newfound passion for technology, the SEMI Foundation proves its vision: a future where opportunity in high-tech careers is accessible, equitable and transformative.
SEMIquest: Inspiring Arizona’s Future Workforce
SEMIquest is bringing the world of semiconductors into Arizona classrooms with immersive STEM experiences. By connecting students directly with industry professionals, the program opens doors to careers that power everything from clean energy to advanced medicine. Join the Semi Foundation and the Arizona Science Center by registering for this event, hosted on October 9th.
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as head of Public Affairs for Phoenix Rising FC.
